What is the good confession in 1 Timothy 6:12?

Answer

First Timothy 6:12 declares, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” This verse is part of Paul’s personal letter to Timothy and provides guidance on how to live and lead. Let’s delve into the concept of “the good confession” that Timothy expressed.

The term “good confession” signifies a public declaration of faith. Interestingly, in the subsequent verse, Paul mentions that Jesus also made a good confession: “In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you” «I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; », (1 Timothy 6:13).

In John 18:37, we discover the details of Jesus’ confession: “‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’” Here, truth refers not merely to a set of principles in Scripture but to the embodiment of truth in Jesus Himself «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). When Jesus claimed to testify to the truth, He was, essentially, testifying about Himself.

Therefore, the good confession serves as a testimony to Jesus, as Romans 10:9–10 emphasizes, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

The Greek word for “belief” is pistis, which also signifies trust in something. A genuine confession of Jesus stems from having trust in His resurrection, which is closely connected to His sacrifice on the cross for our sins. The resurrection is inseparable from the crucifixion.

Contemporary evangelistic campaigns frequently include public declarations with invitations to the altar. While altar calls can be valuable, they should be extended to individuals who recognize themselves as sinners in need of a Savior. We approach Christ to reconcile with God, not for wealth, a comfortable life, or even good health. Although we are assured of a future free from suffering, illness, and pain “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”, (Revelation 21:4), Jesus’ primary purpose was to guide us to the Father, not to establish a physical paradise on earth. Therefore, the gospel must underpin every altar call.

Likewise, the sinner’s prayer, utilized as a structured method to assist someone in making a confession, should be handled with caution. The sinner’s prayer is not a magical incantation, and it alone does not save. Jesus saves us through faith. The sinner’s prayer should be an outward declaration of the internal change that has taken place, and it should be accompanied by the gospel.

Once we have believed and openly made a sincere confession, like Timothy, we are urged to “take hold of eternal life” and live in accordance with our convictions.