What Should Christians Confess? – Our Confession (Part 1):
In the previous episode of our blog series, “Why Do Christians Go Through Challenges?”, we explored why a true Christian is tested and why difficult situations do not necessarily mean that God has abandoned us. Challenges can strengthen our faith, develop our character and teach us to keep our focus on Jesus rather than our circumstances.
But when our faith is tested, what should a Christian confess?
It is easy to speak about faith when everything is going well. The real test comes when hardship, sickness, disappointment, failure or uncertainty enters our lives. At such moments, our words can reveal what is happening in our hearts.
Do we allow our circumstances to determine our confession, or does our faith determine what we say?
Citing Matthew 21:21, T.B. Joshua teaches that “whatsoever a man confesses in faith, he shall receive.” Faith walks in the direction of genuine confession. Our confession should therefore agree with what we believe, especially when our circumstances appear contrary to our faith.
Today, we will explore what it means for our confession to give us possession, why faith and confession cannot go in opposite directions, and how testimony and confession can strengthen us when we face difficult situations.
What Is the Power of Confession in the Bible?
As Christians, we are called to function in faith because that is the nature of our life. God’s title for us is “a believer.”
Faith follows in the footprints of genuine confession. Faith and confession cannot go in opposite directions. The farther your faith goes, the farther your confession goes.
When the bed of confession is well laid, faith will lie securely on it. As you lay your bed, you lie on it.
This means our confession should not be separated from what we believe. When we say, “Thank You, Jesus, I am healed. I am blessed,” that declaration should come from genuine faith.
T.B. Joshua also warns that unbelief grows with negative confession. A confession of failure puts failure on the throne. If I confess weakness, weakness dominates me.
Our confession therefore reflects our present attitude towards the Father. What we say should agree with the faith we profess.
What You Confess Is What You Possess: What Does It Mean?
The message “Our Confession Gives Us Possession” points to the relationship between what we believe and what we declare.
Faith acts now, believes now and confesses now!
Citing 1 Samuel 17:46, David gives us a powerful example. Before his battle with Goliath began, David spoke confidently about the victory God would give him. He had not yet seen the outcome, but his confession came from faith.
David did not allow what he saw to determine what he believed.
This is why we must be careful about what we say. You cannot live above your words.
A person may never openly confess failure and yet find themselves in a failure realm because their confession is not in harmony with what they believe. Our words can either agree with our faith or reveal that our hearts have been influenced by doubt.
Romans 5:1–2 reminds us of our position as children of God. As believers, it is natural for us to function in faith because that is the nature of our life.
What Should Christians Confess? A clear-cut confession therefore matters. It should come from genuine faith and agree with what we believe.
“I think I am healed” is not a clear-cut confession.
“It will be better tomorrow” is not a clear-cut confession.
But:
“I am healed, thank You Jesus.”
That is a clear-cut confession.
The point is not simply to say words. Our declaration must come from genuine faith.
What Should Christians Confess With Their Mouth?
Our confession can easily be affected when our attention becomes centred on outward circumstances.
T.B. Joshua points out that many Christians are controlled by outward needs such as prosperity, employment, promotion and blessings. There is nothing wrong with these things, but they should not become the foundation of our relationship with God.
When outward needs control us, any trouble with those things can also affect our faith.
This is why our minds must be disciplined to concentrate upon the things in the Spirit. Whatever situation we are passing through, whether poverty, disappointment or another difficult circumstance, we should let our minds seek the things that are above so that we may be comforted.
That is the way out.
Our failure to give Christ His proper position in our hearts can become the crisis behind our confession. When our attention is dominated by what we see around us, our words can begin to reflect our circumstances rather than our faith.
Everything that has to do with us should honour Jesus. We are tools in the hands of God. We do not need to fight for God; God will fight for Himself.
T.B. Joshua puts it this way: “There are two people in the world today: those who fight for God and those whom God fights for.”
So ask yourself: Does your declaration come from faith?
How Can Confession Strengthen Your Faith in Difficult Times?
What Should Christians Confess? Confession and testimony are articles of faith.
When facing a difficult situation, remember what the Lord has done in your life in the past and what He is able to do in your present circumstance.
David demonstrated this when he was brought before King Saul. When Saul questioned whether David could fight Goliath, David remembered how he had killed a bear.
What Should Christians Confess? David’s Testimony
David remembered what God had already helped him overcome, and this strengthened his confidence as he faced Goliath. If God had helped him kill a bear, David believed God could help him face the giant.
This is why, when facing difficult situations, remember what the Lord has done and what He is able to do. David did not depend on human weapons.
Your confession should be that you are not dependent on human weapons, propaganda, insults or persecution. Instead, you rely on God’s armour, which you have used and found effective.
When circumstances challenge your faith, let your confession come from faith rather than fear. If God is with you, He will comfort you and see you through.
Where God guides, He provides.
As we continue this journey of becoming God’s person, may our confession remain in agreement with genuine faith. Our confession should be more than words; it should be an expression of the faith we have in God.
So, what is your confession? Does it agree with your faith?
Today, explore what it means for our confession to give us possession, and learn how faith and testimony can strengthen you when circumstances challenge your faith.
To continue exploring this teaching, watch “Our Confession Gives Us Possession Part 1” by Prophet T.B. Joshua and learn why your confession should come from genuine faith.