A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

CONFESSION OF FAITH      

Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” 

“I believe . . .” So begins the words of the three ecumenical creeds, the Apostle’s, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. By about 500 years after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the early Christian’s had developed these three statements of faith. They did so because false teachers were promoting teachings and beliefs that did not agree with what the Holy Spirit revealed and inspired the writers of the Holy Scriptures to provide for the true believers in Jesus. 

Each of the three creeds were written at a time when false teachings were gaining in influence among Christians. Most all of these false teachings were in regard to Jesus as to whether He was true God and true man, salvation is found only in Him, the Trinity, etc. The church gathered together to study the Holy Scriptures and the three creeds were the outcome of their study. The content of these three creeds is what we, as Christians believe, teach, and confess. 

St. Paul wrote in Romans 10 regarding confession of faith, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (My emphasis) As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide my confession of faith that it is completely in accord with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I know my faith is founded On Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;  
And this my faith confessing, Unmoved I stand on His sure Word.  
Our reason cannot fathom The truth of God profound;  
Who trusts in human wisdom Relies on shifting ground.  
God’s Word is all-sufficient, it makes divinely sure;  
And trusting in its wisdom, My faith shall rest secure. 

Increase my faith, dear Savior, For Satan seeks by night and day  
To rob me of this treasure And take my hope of bliss away.  
But, Lord, with You beside me, I shall be undismayed;  
And led by Your good Spirit, I shall be unafraid.  
Abide with me, O Savior, A firmer faith bestow;  
Then I shall bid defiance To ev’ry evil foe. 

In faith, Lord, let me serve You; Through persecution, grief, and pain  
Should seek to overwhelm me. Let me a steadfast trust retain;   
And then at my departure, Lord take me home to You,  
Your riches to inherit As all You said holds true.  
In life and death, Lord, keep me Until Your heav’n I gain,  
Where I by Your great mercy The end of faith attain.  

I Know My Faith Is Founded // LSB 587