February 24

“Lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

We hold the view that a changed life without a corresponding oral confession is inadequate. Change in conduct is no substitute for confession with the mouth. I have frequently heard people say that if a man’s conduct is good, he does not need to speak out for God. But such a position leaves him with a loophole.

True. no one will speak against him if his conduct is good, but neither will they do so if his conduct is bad. If, however, he has openly confessed himself to be a Christian, then the moment he fails in behavior the world will rise up and charge him with inconsistency.

To insist on conduct without confession is to leave your back door open. By providing yourself with a way of escaping men’s criticism if you fail in the matter of conduct, you have actually prepared for the day of failure. Close that loophole! Stand up and confess the Lord. Then, leaning on him for help, live consistently with your confession.