Always Declaring the Good Confession

Scripture: In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ... 1 Timothy 6:13

Observation: As Paul concludes is letter, he charges Timothy with this instruction, which is to "fight the good fight of the faith," which is "to take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession" (v12). Paul then invokes both God and Jesus in charging Timothy to keep this instruction.

However, he uses an intriguing phrase about Jesus. Paul says Jesus testified before Pontius Pilate "the good confession". At first, one might wonder what "confession" Jesus made, especially in light that he was then put to death, as a confession during a trial connotes admitting to something illegal, which of course Jesus did not do. However, in the context of all Paul is saying, he is declaring something far more profound. Paul states that BOTH Timothy AND Jesus made "the good confession". So what did Jesus state that Timothy now states?

The good confession - which Jesus confirmed before Pilot, and which all Christians profess - is ... Jesus is Messiah.

Application: I have made this good confession. I have made it in my heart with profound purpose and sincerity. I have made it publicly to groups of others, large and small. I made it when I was baptized, into a microphone, for any and all witnesses to see and hear. I have made it repeatedly, almost daily, in my mind. I have written it out in this blog dozens if not hundreds of times. I make it again today.

Jesus is Messiah.

Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth. He was born of the virgin Mary, and ministered showing promised and prophesized signs and wonders. He suffered under Pontius Pilot, and was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell, but on the third day he rose back to life and ascended into heaven, where still today he sits at the right hand of God, and from which he judges the living and the dead.

I don't just believe. I don't just hope. I don't just understand. I don't just trust. I know.

Prayer: Jesus, my Lord and savior, may my faith be renewed every day, stronger and stronger, in your Holy Spirit. Amen.