Dt.6.1-9

Romans.10.5-13

Mark 11.12-24

  Faith is not a feeling that exists only in the mind, but it is a character that should be manifested through words and actions. A declaration of faith is a very important element in faith. This announcement can be made five.

1. Proclamation of Salvation
2. In family and society
3. Evangelism
4. Declaration of Emancipation
5. Declaration for Martyrdom
6. Proclamation for Salvation

Paul quoted the law and taught that the word should be close to our heart and mouth (Acts 30:14; Romans 10:8). The creed we believe must be in our mouths. Confess Jesus as Lord with your mouth (Romans 10:9). With the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession unto salvation (Romans 10:10). Self-salvation involves a confession (Acts 16:31; Luke 12:8; Matthew 10:32). It is clear from this that we must confess our faith.

2. Family and Society

Word of faith in God – “Hear, O Israel, Jehovah is our God; Jehovah is one. You shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Dt. 6:4,5) – These words must be in your heart, but Moses taught that it is not enough if it is in the heart. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. (Dt. 6:6,7). Bind them on your hand as a sign; They should be right between your eyes. Write them on your doorposts and on your doorposts (Dt. 6:8,9). It was an important commandment to instruct children (Dt 4:9; Ex. 13:9,16; Dt. 11:18-20) and this cannot be seen as just an instruction. “Always be talking” is the key advice here. To this day, orthodox Jews still follow the word of faith to the letter.

3. Proclamation for Evangelism

We must proclaim the gospel we have believed to others by word of mouth. This is an important Great Commission given by Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15-17; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:47). Here again our declaration has an important place. Paul’s famous question is how anyone can hear without preaching (Romans 10:14). It is also the primary purpose of the church. Here too there is a declaration of faith.

4. Proclamation for Deliverance

Confession and declaration of faith have brought great miracles. Before the Red Sea, God gave the instruction to “Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exodus 14:15). The Red Sea was divided. People were liberated. It is recorded that during Joshua’s battle with the Amorites, the sun and the moon were stopped with words. He said, “Sun, you stand in Gibeon, and moon, you stand in Aijalon”. It reads that the sun and the moon stood still (Joshua 10:12,13). Words of faith brought supernatural miracles. Jesus told dead Lazarus to come out – Lazarus came out alive (John 11:43,44). God changed Abram’s first name to Abraham (Genesis 17:5). The word Abram means Exalted Father. Abraham also means father of many. There is also a view that God put words of faith into Abraham’s mouth. There are many miracles in the New Testament and in the ministries of Jesus and the apostles when they spoke words of faith.

5. Proclamation until Martyrdom

Luke records the confession of faith of Stephen, the first martyr of the early church, as a sermon (Acts 7). Church history says that many who became martyrs in the end-time church gave their lives by confessing the word of faith. Two other martyrs are found in the New Testament – James and Antipas (Acts 12:2; Rev 2:13).

The power of words

Jesus taught that words spoken in faith have power (Mark 11:23,24). For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:20,21). Even the world was created by words (Genesis 1:3; Hebrews 11:1,2). Words have power (James 3:1-3). Jesus said that the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life (John 6:63). That is why Peter confessed where we will go if we leave this word (John 6:68). Words of faith must be spoken (2Cor 4:13). Jesus taught that by your words you will be justified and condemned (Matthew 12:36,37). The apostle advises to speak the words of faith boldly (Heb 13:6). There are many proofs that Paul spoke words of faith in the midst of adversity (Phil 4:13,19; 2 Cor 12:9-10). All blessings, from salvation to the greatest spiritual blessing that an individual can receive, come through the declaration of faith. When the words of faith are spoken, it not only strengthens a person physically, mentally and spiritually, but also creates a comprehensive spiritual character in that person. Eventually, that person will become a conduit of blessings to many.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the power of Your Word and the gift of faith. Thank You for reminding us of the importance of our words and the need to speak in faith, trusting in Your promises and Your love for us. Help us, Lord, to guard our tongues and to speak words that build up, encourage, and reflect the truth of Your Word. Let our confessions be rooted in faith, hope, and love, so that we may witness Your power and grace at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Grant us the strength to overcome negativity and doubt, and to continually declare Your goodness and faithfulness. May our words align with Your will, and may they bring glory to Your name. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.