Joshua Bennett
Confessing Jesus as Lord and saviour is a fundamental tenet of Christianity, including for Catholics. The Bible states that confessing Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead are prerequisites for salvation. This confession is a pledge of allegiance to Jesus' authority and a commitment to obeying him. While some interpret this to require a verbal confession, others emphasise the acknowledgement of Jesus' lordship over the act of speaking it aloud. Salvation is also linked to baptism, repentance, and belief in Jesus as the Son of God and saviour of the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Verbal confession | Necessary for salvation |
| Who is Jesus? | God's divine son, the savior of the world, the master whom we must obey |
| What does confession mean? | A pledge of allegiance to Jesus' authority |
| What is the role of confession? | A condition of fellowship, a test of discipleship |
| What is the importance of prayer and church? | Spiritual growth and protection from Satan |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of confession
The act of confession is an important tenet of Catholicism. In Romans 10:9, the Bible states:
> "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
While this verse mentions a "confession with the mouth", the emphasis is on the acknowledgement of Jesus's lordship. By confessing, one is making Jesus their lord and doing things his way, which is believed to lead to eternal life. This is further supported by Romans, which states that Jesus gives us life, instead of relying on the law.
Catholics believe that confession is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is seen as a path to salvation and a way to avoid mortal sin, which, if one were to die with unconfessed mortal sin, would lead to hell. Confession is also believed to increase self-knowledge, promote humility, and correct bad habits. Through confession, Catholics can seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God, and grow in their spiritual life and journey towards Heaven.
Confession is also important as it allows Catholics to receive guidance and advice from a priest, who acts as a holy mediator between the individual and God. This is seen as an act of humility, as one is not going directly to God but through a priest. Furthermore, confession is one of only two sacraments that can be received repeatedly and frequently, the other being the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This frequent reception of the sacrament is believed to bring Catholics closer to God and provide them with the graces needed to overcome their bad habits and grow in virtue.
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The meaning of 'Lord'
The title of "Lord" is a powerful one, and when applied to Jesus Christ, it carries a deep significance for Christians, including Catholics.
In the Bible, Romans 10:9 states, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse has sparked much discussion and reflection on the meaning of confessing Jesus as Lord. The emphasis here is not merely on the verbal act of confession but on the acknowledgment of Jesus's lordship and the relationship this implies.
When someone confesses Jesus as Lord, they are recognizing His power and authority. According to Wester's Dictionary, a "lord" is one who "has power and authority over others." By extension, to confess Jesus as Lord is to submit to His power and authority, allowing Him to direct one's decisions and actions. This submission is a key aspect of the relationship with Jesus that leads to salvation. It is not enough to simply utter the words "Jesus is Lord"; one must also strive to follow Jesus's example and commands.
Furthermore, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord is intimately connected with accepting Him as Savior. To acknowledge Jesus as Lord is to recognize one's need for a Savior and to trust in His grace and mercy for salvation. This acceptance is a heartfelt decision, a leap of faith, rather than a mere intellectual exercise or the repetition of a formula.
In conclusion, for Catholics and Christians in general, to confess Jesus as Lord means to submit to His authority, to follow Him, and to accept Him as the source of salvation. It is a profound and life-changing declaration that shapes one's entire relationship with God and influences one's daily actions.
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Jesus as the Son of God
The concept of Jesus as the Son of God is central to Christianity, and this belief is also shared by Catholics. The phrase "Son of God" signifies that Jesus is of the same nature as God and is, in fact, God. This claim was blasphemous to the Jewish leaders, who demanded Jesus' death, as they understood it to mean that Jesus was equating himself with God.
The New Testament provides evidence for this interpretation, with Jesus himself stating, "In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). Here, Jesus is alluding to Psalm 110, which has been interpreted by Christians as indicating that Jesus is more than just a human or angelic messiah, but a divine entity who is superior to both David and the angels.
The early Christians developed various views on how Jesus related to God. By the 2nd century, Irenaeus introduced the confession: "One Christ only, Jesus the Son of God incarnate for our salvation". This statement emphasizes the pre-existence of Christ and his role in God's plan for salvation.
Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, where he realizes that Jesus, whom he thought was dead, is in fact the living Lord of the universe. After his conversion, Paul proclaims, "Jesus is the Son of God", indicating his understanding that Jesus is God.
The phrase "Son of God" also implies a unique love and relationship between God and Jesus. In Colossians, Paul describes Jesus as the "Son of God's love", suggesting a distinct and special love that God has for his divine Son.
In summary, when Catholics and Christians confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, they are acknowledging his divinity and his role as the Son of God. This belief is foundational to Christianity and has been a central topic of theological discussion and development throughout the centuries.
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The act of verbal confession
The Catholic act of confession, or reconciliation, is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ to offer forgiveness for sins. It is a way to reconcile with God, others, and oneself. While the specific steps may vary among priests, the traditional way of making a confession involves the following:
First, one has the option to go to confession anonymously, behind a screen, or face-to-face with the priest. After the priest greets the penitent in the name of Christ, the penitent makes the sign of the cross. The penitent may then say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [weeks, months, years]."
The penitent then confesses their sins honestly and simply. They may also discuss the circumstances and root causes of their sins and ask the priest for advice or direction. It is recommended that one briefly examines their conscience and makes an Act of Contrition before confession to prepare and be more honest during the confession. An Act of Contrition is a prayer expressing true sorrow for one's sins.
After confessing their sins, the penitent may say, "This is all I can remember. I am sorry for these and all my sins." The priest will then assign penance, which may take the form of a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or sacrifice. The penitent should perform this penance as soon as possible.
Finally, the priest will dismiss the penitent with words of praise, such as, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good," to which the penitent responds, "For His mercy endures forever. Go in peace," and the response is, "Thanks be to God."
Regarding the question of whether Catholics verbally confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the answer is not straightforward. The passage Romans 10:9 states, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." However, some interpret this as emphasizing Jesus's lordship rather than the act of verbal confession itself. The context of the passage suggests that it is more about acknowledging Jesus's authority and following His way, which leads to eternal life.
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The relationship between confession and salvation
Some theologians interpret this verse as emphasizing the acknowledgement of Jesus's lordship rather than the act of verbal confession. They argue that the main point is to highlight that salvation comes from Jesus, not from following the law. In other words, confessing Jesus as Lord is about recognizing his mastery or rulership, which is essential for salvation. This interpretation is supported by other verses such as Romans 10:10, which suggests that confession with the mouth confirms what is already believed in the heart.
On the other hand, some Christians emphasize the importance of openly declaring one's faith. They argue that confessing Jesus as Lord is not just an internal belief but also an outward declaration. This confession is seen as a powerful indicator of an inward reality and demonstrates great faith, especially in contexts where admitting to being a Christian could lead to persecution or death. In this view, confession is seen as instrumental in overcoming the power of sin and is a natural expression of one's faith.
However, it is important to note that the Bible also emphasizes that salvation comes through faith, not works. Verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9 state that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not as a result of any actions or confessions. This suggests that while confession may be an important aspect of a Christian's life, it is not the sole determining factor for salvation.
Ultimately, the relationship between confession and salvation is complex and multifaceted. While confessing Jesus as Lord is significant, it is essential to consider the broader context of faith, grace, and the work of God in salvation. The act of confession, therefore, finds its true meaning and power within the larger framework of a believer's relationship with God.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior is a condition necessary for salvation from sin. Romans 10:9 states that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
To confess Jesus as Lord and Savior is to make a pledge of allegiance to His authority. It is a recognition of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the Master whom we must obey.
Catholics may confess Jesus as Lord and Savior through prayer, such as the following:
> Dear God, I come to you just as I am, a sinner in need of a Savior. Right now I choose to turn away from sin. I believe that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross, was buried, and rose again to fulfill the Scriptures. Jesus, I call upon you to be the Savior and Lord of my life. I believe that through Your death, burial, and resurrection, my sins have been forgiven and cleansed by Your blood.
While it is important to verbally confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the emphasis is on the acknowledgement and acceptance of Jesus's lordship rather than the mere act of speaking the words. By confessing with the mouth, one also confesses with their heart, accepting Jesus as the source of eternal life.
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