THE STUDY OF THE WORD "CONFESS" This study is an attempt to explain why the belief that one must accept Christ in order to be saved is unbiblical. We will discover that such an idea is neither supported nor taught by the Bible and that there is no verse that can be found to substantiate this. Nevertheless those that believe this use the verses from Romans 10:9-10 to effuse such an idea. Let us look at the verse in question.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
In the New Testament the English word "confess" is used to translate 2 different Creek words. One is (1843 exomologew exomologeo ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o) and the other is (3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o)
The first word (1843 exomologew exomologeo ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o) is appear 11 times by the New Testament. It is also translated as (AV - confess 8, thank 2, promise 1; 11) The other is (3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o) It is also translated as follows (AV - confess 17, profess 3, promise 1, give thanks 1, confession is made 1, acknowledgeth 1; 24) These two words are not interchangeable; they are different and separate. When we analyze the verse in question from Romans 10:9-10, we will insert its corresponding Strong's number to identify the which word that is used. (Note: The word/s in brackets is the translation from the Samoan Bible; 1884 edition alongside its Strong's number.)
That if thou shalt confess <3670> with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [ta'utino] 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made <3670> unto salvation. [ta'utino ai]
Looking at the root words for these two words: (1843 exomologew exomologeo ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o) we see it is made from two root words (1537 ek ek ek or ex ex ex) also translated elsewhere as (AV - of 366, from 181, out of 162, by 55, on 34, with 25, misc 98; 921) and (3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o) also translated as (AV - confess 17, profess 3, promise 1, give thanks 1, confession is made 1, acknowledgeth 1) and for the other (3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o)with its two root words (3674 omou homou hom-oo') which is also translated elsewhere as (AV - together 3;) 3 times)and the other root word being (3056 logoj logos log'-os) and it is elsewhere translated as (AV - word 218, saying 50, account 8, speech 8, Word (Christ) 7, thing 5, not tr 2, misc 32;) and it is used a total 330 times.) The essence of these root words give us a quick glimpse to what this word means if we are a Creek scholar. [A parallel study of all the incidences where all the root words occur in the New Testament could also be helpful if one deems necessary but we are not going to include them in this synopsis] However, we will analyze the common use of each of the words in question and discover its use in the context they are given to find out how God used these words. One thing we have seen throughout the Bible is how God uses words; He is precise and clear. A word would carry a precise meaning whether it is in Hebrew or Creek. For instance we see the word "rock" to designate the same spiritual application in either Old or New Testament. In 1Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. The rock that Moses struck is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ that was bruised for our eniquities. The water that came out of it is the Gospel by His Word, the Bible, where men that drink from it become saved. This word delivers the same spiritual application wherever used. When we apply this in our studies of the word, it confirms the authorship of the Bible. This is reassuring; that we can trust the Bible precisely because we trust the truth from God through His Word. This concept is very helpful for us in determine the meaning of a word wherever they occur in the Bible. We look for a common thread in all its uses which would harmonize any conclusion we derive. That is that there is unity of belief or a cohesive message in agreement throughout the Bible about a word or concept; in this case the Word of God. Let us list each of the 24 uses as they are written in the New Testament:
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess <3670> unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [tautino atu]
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess <3670> me before men, him will I confess <3670> also before my Father which is in heaven. [ta'uta'u a'u] [ou te ta'uta'uina o ia]
Matthew 14:7 Whereupon he promised <3670> with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. [matua fai atu ai]
Luke 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess <3670> me before men, him shall <3670> the Son of man also confess <3670> before the angels of God: [ta'ua][ta'ua][ta'ua]
John 1:20 And he confessed <3670>, and denied not; but confessed <3670>, I am not the Christ. [ta'utino lea] [ta'utino atu]
John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess <3670> that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. [e ta'ua]
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did <3670> not confess <3670> him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [ta'u atu ai]
Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess <3670> both. [taofi]
Acts 24:14 But this I confess <3670> unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: [ua fai atu]
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess <3670> with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [ta'utino]
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made <3670> unto salvation. [ta'utino ai]
1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed <3670> a good profession before many witnesses. [ta'utino atu]
Titus 1:16 They profess <3670> that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. [ta'u ane]
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed <3670> that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [ta'utino mai]
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks <3670> to his name. [fa'afetai atu]
1John 1:9 If we confess <3670> our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [faaali]
1John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth <3670> the Son hath the Father also. [ua ta'uta'u]
1John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth <3670> that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: [ta'utino]
1John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth <3670> not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. [ta'utino]
1John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess <3670> that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. [ta'utino atu]
2John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess <3670> not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. [ta'u tino]
Confessing seem to imply that there is a personal testimony given about how we feel or believe. This is not what we find in the context of these verses. We find that the sense of all these applications indicates the declaring of the Word of God among people. it is evident that the proper interpretation of this word should have been "profess" as in Matthew 7:23 or "proclaim" This word talks about the task of every believer. That is to proclaim the Gospel message of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. For example when we read 1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed <3670> a good profession before many witnesses. [ta'utino atu] There is no confusion about this verse as the action done (profess) is performed by those whom God called (elect) as they declare the Gospel among believers. We find that when we insert this word (3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o) in the context of Romans 14:11" For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess <1843> to God. [ta'uta'u mai]," it just does not make sense because we do not confess the Gospel to God but to men.
In the same manner we will consider the other word that is usually confused with the first one. We are aware of the close relationship between the professing of the Gospel by confessing or better still proclaiming it as we have seen. In other words, the Gospel cannot be told as the only means that God mandates it unless we profess it. We will now see how the next word (1843 exomologew exomologeo ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o) that is translated the same way as "confess" is a better fit to be translated as "confess" instead of the former. This word however, is quite different from the first one we looked at. It is usually mistaken for the former (3670 omologew homologeo hom-OL-og-eh'-o) and vice versa. This is the key mistake that one would make if one never checks the way God use these words. I must admit that this is pretty common if we are lackadaisical about our study of the Bible. We are responsible for making sure what we believe is from God and this is fundamental in any study of the Word if we are to seek the truth of God. Here are all the 11 usages that is used in the New Testament.Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing <1843> their sins. [faaali atu]
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank <1843> thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. [fa'afetai]
Mark 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing <1843> their sins. [faaali atu]
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank <1843> thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. [fa'afetai]
Luke 22:6 And he promised <1843>, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. [ua lelei]
Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed <1843>, and shewed their deeds. [ta'u mai]
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess <1843> to God. [ta'uta'u mai]
Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess <1843> to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. [ta'uta'ua ai]
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess <1843> that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [ta'uta'u atu]
James 5:16 Confess <1843> your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [Ia fefaaalia'i]
Revelaton 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess <1843> his name before my Father, and before his angels. [ta'u atu]
It is very interesting as we follow the use of the word by the translators. We can see a wide range from an outrageous one in "promise" (lelei) in Luke 22:6 to "confess" (ta'u atu)in Revelation 3:5. The closest interpretation is Acts 19:18 where those that believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ testified of their faith.
In looking at the accompanying verses it is cleat that the reference made here is simply a personal declaration of ones belief to others or to God regarding ones conviction. The major difference we have seen is that 3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o is never used to confess to God. This is always in reference to a crowd or a group (Matthew 10:32) or an individual. 1843 exomologew exomologeo ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o is generally used in adressing God (Luke 10:21, Romans 14:11) or others and never a group or crowd as a means of preaching the Gospel. This of course is what the root of the words reveal. (Firstly, we know from the Bible that no sin can be forgiven by anything we say or do. This is a work and we do not get saved by our work. Secondly, we do not find our Heavenly Father forgiving our sins by simply saying we are sorry or that we repent. This does not forgive sins. Only that if God has done the work through the Lord Jesus Christ for us and that in His mercy has saved us, can we repent and are forgiven. Thirdly, we do not find anywhere in the Bible where God has any relations with an unbeliever. How can we make any sense of any unsaved man approaching God? Only until after we are saved that we can have a relationship with Him.) So this verse simply means, if we are to understand it in light of the whole Bible, is that when God saves us, He opens our eyes to understand the immense restitution Christ made on our behalf. (Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ) The Lord Jesus Christ paid the price (wages of our sins) demanded by the perfect law of God for those He saves. Realizing our tremendous sins because the law, which is the Bible, tells us of our sins (Romans 7:7 "¶ What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."), The law points out our sin. We cannot know we are committing sin unless it are told about it. That is the function of the Bible which instructs, corrects, reproofs us from our foolish ways. By realizing our situation we understand how undeserving we are of such mercy and of such sacrifice for who are we but such a wretch as one songwriter so rightly confessed.
CONCLUSION In our review of this word we conclude that the tanslation in the King James Version and the Samoan Bible contain words that didn't really help us right away, However, by the methodology used of checking each incident where used in the Bible we find a commonality that gives us a clearer understanding of the word in question. We also find that perhaps, the translators could have used a better word which would have made our search easier. However, we know that God is sovereign and could have easily given such to the translators. We rest assured that God will give us understanding in His time. Maybe this is why we are commanded to study the Bible so we can rightly divide the word. A couple of these instances is from 1John 1:9 "If we confess <3670>[faaali] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This verse seem to say that if we tell others about our sins, God will justify and save us from our sins. We know that this can't be so because there is nothing about telling others our sins can saved us. The real message of this verse is that because God has already saved us, we preach the message of how the sins we had would have sent us to hell had it not for the mercy of God that saved us through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel through the Word of God has revealed the nature of our sins and we tell others how undeserving we are of the grace of God that saved us in spite of those sins. As we proclaim this message we also tell others of how they too could get saved if God would have mercy on them. (We know that unless they are elected they will not hear the message. This, however is God's business. We just preach the Gospel as we are commanded, while God does the saving.) Knowing what we now know, the more correct word would have been ta'u atu or ta'uta'u atu as we see in 1John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth <3670> the Son hath the Father also. [ua ta'uta'u] This is to tell others as the mandate of the Gospel is to everyone who believes.
In conclusion let us look at the verse and in light of what we know;
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
The question is what does this verse mean? Knowing what we know we can clearly see that in verse 10 "...For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness" This act of believing is not an overnight sensation. To believe unto righteousness is having the faith to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. How do we get that faith? Romans 10:17; "17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." We can only get this believing faith through a thorough knowledge of the Word. No novice who has heard the message for the first time or thereabouts can obtain this faith unless he/she has a firm belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. When God saves us, He opens our spiritual eyes and our spiritual ears to understand His Word. In Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. " We cannot have that faith if we do not know the Bible where we are nurtured into a matured believer. As believers, God gives us the desire to proclaim the Gospel. This is the message of salvation that all those that become saved must hear. The confession therefore we make after we believe, or after we are saved is the confession of the Gospel. That is the proclamation or the witnessing of the Gospel as this is the responsibility of the believer; to preach the Gospel. We see this to be in perfect harmony with all other fundamental principles of the Bible. This is our main thrust; that there is harmony with the Bible no matter where we read. This is one way that reassures us that we have come to truth.
Finally, we can rest assured that after having looked at all the information given this verse cannot be what it is claimed to be. It violates all principles of a thorough Bible study as we have done here. If we still have doubts, we read Romans 10:20 "But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me." This verse also invalidates the idea of us seeking God or calling out to God on our own. Simply this verse tells us that God was made manifest to them that didn't ask for or seek Him. This means that God would have had to seek them and do all the necessary work to save them. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. He draws whomever He desires to save. This, we find, harmonizes with the rest of the Bible. This is why we must check out any idea we have with the rest of the Bible. The Bible corrects, instructs, reproofs and teaches us about the kingdom of God. May God give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear.
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