Confession // Matthew 16:15

Today’s verse is part of an interaction between Jesus and Peter known as the turning point of the Gospels. Jesus asked first who the people were saying He was. Jesus then made it personal when He inquired directly, “Who do YOU say I am?” Peter’s response took on the form of a confession as he answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

The word, confession, has two basic meanings: (1) admitting one is guilty of an infraction, and (2) a statement of faith based on principles that guide one’s life. Peter’s confession to Jesus indicated that he knew Jesus was the Messiah, as well as how he stood in need of Jesus’ presence and power in his life.

An old proverb says that confession is good for the soul. I believe it. Confession of sin helps us come clean about the things that separate us from God. Confession also directs our faith focus that Jesus is who He said He was and grants us the gift of salvation through the forgiveness of sin.

What do you need to confess today? To whom do you need to make that confession? Find someone with whom you can unburden your soul, but more importantly, to the only One who can save your soul. Matthew 10:48 shows us we are only to fear God, the One who can save the soul or condemn it to hell. Romans 10:9 tells us we will be saved “if you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and in your heart you have faith that God raised him from the dead.”

Confession IS good for the soul. May we start today by confessing our sin that separates us from God and faith in Jesus as the only One by whom our soul can be saved. Let’s make that confession, share it with others, and help lead them to a soul-freeing and life-saving relationship with God through Christ Jesus.