Believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and Christ, the son of God

  • Mark 16:15-16

One must sincerely believe (not just know the facts).

  • Acts 8
  • Acts 17:11-12 – They were examining the scriptures daily.
  • Romans 10:9-10 – “Believe in your heart”
  • Acts 2:14-16, 21-38 – Peter convinced them and they developed sincere belief.

One must believe in Jesus.

  • Mark 1:1; 16:15
  • John 20:30-31 – He is “the Christ, the Son of God.”
  • Acts 9:22
  • Acts 17:1-4 – Paul reasoned with them, explaining and giving evidence.
  • Acts 18:28 – “Jesus was the Christ”

One must not only believe the truth about Jesus, but be willing to confess it.

  • Romans 10:8-10
  • Other types of confessions:
    • Romans 14:10-12
    • James 5:16
    • I John 1:9 – confession of sins
  • Matthew 26:63
  • Acts 2:36
  • I John 4:15
  • John 12:42-43 – These people refused to confess Jesus out of fear.
  • This is not a one-time thing. It is a way of life.
  • Matthew 10:6, 27-33
  • Mark 8:38

Repent

  • Acts 2:37-38

It’s more than just being sorry

  • II Corinthians 7:8-10