UP FRONT | JONATHAN BERNIS
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
T
he concept of confession is an integral element of our relation- ship with the Lord, when properly
understood. Most of us are all too familiar with the unbiblical motos “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it.” Te idea that we can claim or confess whatever we want and God will give it to us if we have enough faith—even when it is based on greed—is uter nonsense. Desire for massive wealth, ever-increasing possessions, and other selfish gain is not what following Yeshua (Jesus) is about.
As Lord of our lives, it should be more and more about His will and His desires, not our will. John 14:13 explains, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Tis famous verse, oſten used to justify the “name it and claim it” crowd, actually defines how we are to ask: in His Name, which means it is consistent with His character, nature, and will, and that the Father may be glorified— not us!
Tat is what biblical confession is all about. It’s about geting His Word (which, inciden- tally, is His will) into our hearts and spirits, for that is where faith is built.
The Heart-Mouth Connection For with the heart one believes unto righ-
teousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
You need to grasp this biblical principle from Romans, the heart-mouth or heart- confession relationship.
Te heart is where faith dwells, not the mind. Simply put, confession builds our faith: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).
Notice that the word hearing is mentioned twice; there is that connection between ears and spirit. Confession of God’s Word is an avenue to deposit faith in our spirits. It is the confession of the Word that releases the truth and the promises of God in our lives.
Rehearing and Rehearsing the Word of God Aſter Moses died, Joshua had an immense responsibility to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. God spoke to Joshua to prepare him, to build his faith: “Tis Book of the Law shall not de- part from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is writen in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” —Joshua 1:8
Jewish Voice Today 9
—Romans 10:10 —Romans 10:10
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