The phrase “good confession” in 1 Timothy 6:12 refers to publicly professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Here is the verse in context (ESV):
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Let’s break this down:
The Good Fight of Faith
– As believers, we are called to “fight the good fight of the faith.” This means vigorously contending for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). It involves spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness and proclaiming the gospel in the face of opposition.
Eternal Life
– When we confess Christ, we take hold of the “eternal life” that we were called to. Through faith in Jesus, we gain everlasting life and an eternal inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Our hope rests securely in the life to come.
The Good Confession
– The “good confession” refers to openly and publicly declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord. It likely points back to when we first professed faith in Christ and identified ourselves with Him through baptism.
In the Early Church
– In the early church, baptism was closely tied to confessing that Jesus is Lord. Candidates for baptism would openly confess the name of Christ before being immersed in water. Their baptism served as a public announcement that they belonged to Jesus.
– The “good confession” may also refer generally to the continual confession of Christ’s lordship made by believers. But the emphasis in this verse seems to be on the initial, public profession of faith often made at baptism.
Before Many Witnesses
– Paul says the good confession was made “in the presence of many witnesses.” Our declarations of faith do not take place secretly, but openly and publicly. The witnesses lend credibility and accountability to the confession.
– In summary, the “good confession” primarily refers to the public confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, especially at the time of baptism. This gives us the hope of eternal life found only in Christ. As we fight the good fight of faith, we remember and reaffirm that good confession.
Implications of the Good Confession
1. Salvation comes through confessing Christ publicly. Jesus said, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). There is a public aspect to receiving salvation in Christ.
2. The good confession unites us with Christ’s body. In baptism, we are united with other believers in Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Our shared confession creates fellowship in the church.
3. We must stand firm in our confession. Our public declaration of faith marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to follow Christ. Hebrews tells us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23).
4. Confessing Christ has social costs. There may be opposition and persecution when we pledge allegiance to Jesus above all else. In some places, new believers sign their confession with their own blood.
5. Our actions should match our confession. If we claim Jesus as Lord, then our lives should demonstrate that Lordship. Like true faith, the good confession should produce good works (James 2:14-26).
6. We continue to confess Christ regularly. Our initial confession is not the end. In baptism and communion, we repeatedly declare, “Jesus is Lord!” Faith requires ongoing confession and renewal.
7. Future reward depends on present confession. Jesus warns, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). Our eternal destiny hinges on the confession we make now.
1 Timothy 6 in Context
– 1 Timothy was written by Paul to his younger protégé, Timothy, whom he had assigned to oversee the church in Ephesus. Throughout the letter, Paul gives Timothy instructions about how to lead the church and combat false teaching.
– The immediate context of chapter 6 deals with false teachers who were promoting controversial doctrines and exploiting people for financial gain. They taught that godliness was a means of accumulating wealth (6:5).
– In contrast, Paul urges Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (6:11). He encourages Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith” and take hold of eternal life instead of seeking worldly gain (6:12).
– Paul then charges Timothy to instruct the rich not to put their hope in wealth. Rather, their hope should rest in God, who provides everything for our enjoyment (6:17).
– The good confession likely served as a contrast to the false beliefs being promoted in Ephesus. Confessing “Jesus is Lord” anchored the believers in sound doctrine centered on Christ alone.
The Confession Throughout Scripture
– The roots of the good confession go back to Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This great confession of God’s oneness forms the bedrock of Jewish faith.
– In Matthew 16, Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” – a major turning point in Jesus’ ministry.
– When asked if he is the Christ, Jesus unambiguously confesses “I am” before the religious leaders, leading to his crucifixion (Mark 14:61-62).
– After the resurrection, Thomas declares to the risen Christ, “My Lord and my God!” – the greatest confession in Scripture (John 20:28).
– The early Christians confessed “Jesus is Lord” in the face of persecution, sometimes to the point of death (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:11).
– Paul frequently refers to this common confession that united the early churches across geographical and cultural lines (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3).
– The ultimate fulfillment will be when “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).
Examples from Church History
– New converts in the early church confessed “Jesus is Lord” at their baptisms.
– The Apostles Creed (2nd century AD) begins with the line “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” This echoes 1 Timothy 6:12’s emphasis on God as the source of life and all things.
– For centuries, Christians have affirmed the Nicene Creed (4th century AD), rooted in the confession that Jesus is “Lord and God of God.”
– Many Christian martyrs throughout history, when asked to deny Christ, defiantly proclaimed “Jesus is Lord!” – sealing their death sentence.
– The Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”) has long expressed deep love for Christ through constant repetition and confession.
– Renewal movements often involve renewed public confessions of sin and fresh declarations of “Jesus is Lord and Savior.”
Theological Positions
– Catholics believe the “good confession” also refers to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where sins are confessed to a priest.
– Most Protestants associate the “good confession” with a one-time conversion experience, but some (like Methodists) stress the need for renewing this confession.
– Baptists, Pentecostals, and Restorationists emphasize confessing Christ publicly prior to adult believer’s baptism.
– Eastern Orthodox churches see the good confession as mystical participation in Christ’s lordship through regular liturgical worship.
– Charismatics encourage fresh confessions of “Jesus is Lord” to activate faith and experience His lordship.
– Confession of Christ reaches its ultimate eschatological fulfillment in the Second Coming, when all will bow to Jesus.
– Liberal and skeptical scholars often dismiss public confessions of Jesus’ divinity as later additions, seeing Jesus as merely a moral teacher.
Common Questions
1. What if I haven’t publicly confessed Christ? Does my faith count?
Public confession, while important, is not absolutely required for salvation. Some come to faith gradually. What matters most is trusting Christ. However, all believers should seek opportunities to openly identify with Jesus (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9).
2. Is confessing Christ a one-time event or ongoing process?
The initial, public confession of Christ’s lordship, often at baptism, holds great significance. However, confession is not a one-time ritual but a lifelong posture. Believers must continually reaffirm their allegiance to Jesus through regular worship, communion, praise, etc.
3. How bold should I be in confessing Christ publicly?
Context determines the approach. We should thoughtfully discern when boldness or prudence is required. But our default stance should be open identification with Jesus. God gives strength to make loving, honest confessions in hostile settings.
4. What if I fail to confess Christ well?
When we deny or conceal our faith, it’s important to repent, receive God’s forgiveness, and renew our commitment to obeying Christ. God always accepts those who humbly return to Him.
5. Should new converts take a class before publicly confessing Christ?
While not required, instruction in Christian foundations helps equip new believers to appreciate the meaning and importance of publicly identifying with Jesus. The depth of confession often parallels the depth of discipleship.
In summary, the “good confession” referred to in 1 Timothy 6:12 is the practice of publicly professing “Jesus is Lord,” especially at the time of baptism. This marks our allegiance to Christ, unites us with His body, and spurs us on to eternally rewardable acts of devotion. The good confession is not just a one-time event, but a lifelong commitment to honor the lordship of Jesus in word and deed.
