The phrase “confession of faith” has been a staple of the Christian church for centuries. A confession of faith is a formal statement of Christian faith that describes doctrine.[1] Most of our modern confessions of faith began during the Protestant Reformation under the guidance of publications produced by Ulrich Swingli (1484–1531) in Switzerland, Martin Luther (1483–1546) in Germany, and John Calvin (1509–64) in Switzerland. However, the idea of a confession of faith that unites a local group of Christ followers goes back to the first-century book of Hebrews.
Last week we looked at a failure to gather that was occurring among the people (Heb 10:25a). Today we will begin looking at the three aspects of fidelity to the gathering (Heb 10:23–24, 25b). The first fidelity to the gathering relates to our doctrine, specifically, holding fast to our confession of faith.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23, NASB).[2] These verses teach us that as a local body of believers there is a specific doctrine that unites us and binds us together. This is why the author of Hebrews encourages us to hold fast to our confession in Christ, which is the doctrine we hold as believers. Let’s examine this short verse together and note three important things it teaches us about our hope and confession of faith.
Let’s note that the confession of hope is based on Christ, not us. Hebrews tells us, “He who promised is faithful.”[3] The “hope” is based on Christ, and the hope is “without wavering.” Those two words are translated from the Greek word, akline. This word is only used one time in the New Testament. The literal translation could be “not leaning.”[4] The word is based on the idea of an upright object not inclining from perpendicular.[5] That word is used here to show that our confession of hope is steady and solid because it’s based on Christ.
Let’s also note that the hope consists of doctrine, not feelings. The word “confession” here is probably both an expression of words and actions. One resource I use for Greek word studies lists two entries for this word. One use of this word means “expression of allegiance as an action” and can be translated as “professing” or “confessing.” Another use of this word means “statement of allegiance, as content of an action” and can be translated as “confession” or “acknowledgment that one makes.”[6] The focus here probably is on the person and work of Christ as the entire book of Hebrews focuses on how Christ is better than anything else. In other words, it’s who Christ was and what Christ did that we base our hope, not our feelings.
Let’s also note that the hope directs believers, not unbelievers. When we gather as a local body of believers we sharpen each other in the confession of faith. It’s in this way and with this purpose that we read God’s word, we examine it, and we discuss it. This is why we all need to be in a church that teaches and preaches Scripture. You and I both know people that like to go to church to hear silly dad jokes, to affirm their beliefs about politics, or to talk about the Bible but not preach the Bible. The author of Hebrews tells us that if the church doesn’t preach Christ and God’s word, then it’s not a “church.”[7]
I find J. Scott Horrell’s words to be relevant here, “The blueprint for a dynamic Christian community is the Word of God. While cultural, traditional, and denominational interpretations of the church are to be appreciated, all forms of Christ’s church must be finally subject to Scripture, lest in their drift they increasingly cease to be Christian at all.”[8]
As Christians we hold fast to our confession of faith in Christ. The doctrine we adhere to as a local body of believers is what defines us. That doctrine unites us together and separates us from other religions (Muslims, Buddhists, etc.) and cults (Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc.). While there are different elements of a worship gathering, this doctrine and confession of faith is something that unites who we are and what we do as a local body of believers.
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Christopher L. Scott is a pastor and author of the book, Walking Straight When Life Goes Sideways: Essential Christian Truths for Enduring Life’s Trials (Wipf and Stock). He provides hundreds of free articles, videos, and Bible study resources at his website ChristopherLynnScott.com.
[1] These formal statements we call “confessions of faith” are similar to, but different than “creeds” and “catechisms.” A “creed” refers to statements made by the early church that Christians in all places and at all times have recognized. Most popular are the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Definition of Chalcedon. A “catechism” is a structured statement of faith written in the form of questions and answers. These fulfill the same purpose of confessions while also giving instruction for the ordinances and spiritual practices of both the church and individuals.
[2] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.
[3] Chapter eleven of Hebrews becomes the example of this as the author lists the numerous heroes of the faith that were able to endure a life of faithfully following God because of their reliance on God, not on their own will and volition.
[4] A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), “Hebrews 10:23.”
[5] Donald Guthrie, Hebrews, Tyndale New Testament Commentary, vol. 15 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1983), 217.
[6] BDAG, s.v. “homogia.”
[7] This emphasis on Scripture reminds Christians about the unfailing promises of God. Why should we not cherish it confidently and confess it boldly? We are more likely to confess our hope courageously and continuously if we regularly meet together and spur each other on. Christ faith and witness flourishes in an atmosphere of fellowship.
[8] J. Scott Horrell, From the Ground Up (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2004), 61.