For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. (Hebrews 3.14)

What is the substance of our confession? This is something we must ask ourselves from time to time as followers of Jesus, as confessors of Christ before the world. What is the substance, the core assurances, upon which we build our faith and life? Do we believe that God is triune? Do we believe that the Father foresaw our sinful falling and, before creation, set in place a means of atonement for which He Himself would pay? Do we believe that through the death and resurrection of Jesus we find redemption of sin and restoration of relationship with God? Do we believe?

If we believe these things and their substance affirms our questions above then we must ask ourselves if we are holding firm in them. Are we acting upon the substance of our confession? Are we confessing before the lost and dying world our abiding faith in Jesus? Is Jesus truly the Lord of our open confession?

We may find ourselves in places of persecution, places where assent to the exclusive salvation found in Jesus the Messiah is dangerous. How will we respond? Our confession must be more than just one of private intellectual affirmation, but also of public expression. Jesus Himself had to stand and confess Himself before the men who beat Him, crowned Him with thorns and crucified Him on the cross. Yet, He remained steadfast, not only for Himself, but for us. We must speak the brilliant glory of Christ into the darkness of this world. We must boast of our hope in Jesus, the Lord of our open confession.

Jesus, build up my faith and give my shoulders strength and my mouth voice as I confess you, my hope and joy, before the hostile lost.