The Importance of Confessing Faith
Currently, we are working on a series exploring the Apostles’ Creed. It is a powerful statement of Christian belief that has been recited by believers for centuries. In his book on the creed, Albert Mohler Jr. says, “All Christians believe more than is contained in the Apostles’ Creed, but none can believe less.” Each line is rich with meaning and the first two words—“I believe”—are not of any less importance than the ones that follow. In these words, we find not only a declaration of faith but also the call to confess our belief before others.
Public confession has always played a central role in Christianity. From the earliest days of the Church, believers have openly declared their faith, even (or especially in) the face of persecution. Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of this when He said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, NIV). These words remind us that our faith is not just a private matter—it is meant to be professed, lived, and shared.
The Power of “I Believe”
When we say, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,” we are making a bold statement about who we trust and where we stand. In a world that often denies truth or dismisses faith, saying “I believe” is an act of courage. It affirms our reliance on God, His sovereignty, and His promises.
Confession is not merely about words; it is about alignment. When we confess our faith, we align our hearts, minds, and actions with God’s truth. It strengthens our identity as children of God and unites us with the body of Christ, the Church.
Confession as a Witness
Publicly confessing our faith also serves as a witness to others. The early Christians understood this well. They were not silent about their beliefs, even when it cost them their lives. Their testimony led to the growth of the Church, as people saw their unwavering commitment and were drawn to the truth of Christ.
Today, while many of us do not face physical persecution, we still encounter pressures that make it tempting to stay silent about our faith. Society often encourages us to keep our beliefs private, but Jesus calls us to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Our confession can inspire and encourage those around us—family members, friends, coworkers, and even strangers—who may be searching for hope.
Living Out Our Confession
Confessing our faith is not just about speaking words; it is about living in a way that reflects Christ. As James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” True confession is demonstrated in our love, our service, and our daily choices. When we say, “I believe,” our actions should follow, showing the world what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
A Call to Bold Faith
The Apostles’ Creed begins with “I believe” because faith must be personal, yet it is also meant to be public. In a time when many are searching for meaning, we have the opportunity to stand firm and proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul says in Romans 10:9-10: “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.” Let us not be silent. Let us boldly declare, “I believe,” not just in words but in the way we live. May our confession bring glory to God and lead others to faith in Christ.