1 John 1:9 English Standard Version (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We understand that if we confess our sins, we are admitting to the truth about what we have done. If we confess Christ then in the same manner we are admitting the truth to what He has done.

Now there are two issues here involved around this confession. Why are we confessing to something we have not done and exactly what has He done?

The first issue that lies at the core of confessing Christ is an earnest desire to be saved. It cannot be a decision based on covering all your bases. Just in case there is a heaven and a hell while wanting to cover the spread is a losers bet. There is no faith in that decision, only doubt. First we need to want it because we understand our own depravity and secondly we have to believe there is an afterlife. You cannot hedge the bet. There is no sincerity in a confession based on faithless assertions.

The second issue is a little more complicated because of the enormity of the deeds and words of Christ. Which ones must be confessed to be true to be saved? Which ones affect salvation and which ones only affect current conditions such as love, joy, peace and relationship? That is a fair and pertinent question.

The simple answer is there is a difference between eternal salvation and daily salvation. Since this began with the concerns of the dying, let us address the eternal salvation requirements.

John 8:42 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.”

Now you have to deal with this truth. Which God sent Jesus Christ?