What role does the Holy Spirit play in confessing "Jesus is Lord"? The Key Verse “Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3) Why This Matters • Confessing “Jesus is Lord” is more than mouthing words; it is an act of allegiance that requires divine enablement. • Paul anchors this confession in the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, safeguarding the church against empty or counterfeit claims. The Spirit’s Essential Work in Our Confession 1. Awakening the Heart • John 16:8: “When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” • Before we can call Jesus “Lord,” the Spirit exposes our sin and our need for a Savior. 2. Revealing Christ’s Lordship • John 15:26: “He will testify about Me.” • The Spirit lifts the veil, enabling us to see Jesus not merely as a teacher but as the sovereign Lord. 3. Giving Saving Faith • Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.” • The very faith required to confess Christ originates with the Spirit’s gracious gift. 4. Enabling Verbal Confession • Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” • The Spirit emboldens believers to speak openly, even when confession brings risk or opposition. 5. Affirming Truth and Guarding Against Error • 1 John 4:2–3: “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God… every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.” • The Holy Spirit authenticates genuine confession and exposes any spirit that denies Christ’s Lordship. How This Shapes Everyday Life • Assurance: Knowing the Spirit initiated your confession anchors you in God’s secure work, not your fluctuating feelings. • Boldness: The same Spirit who stirred your heart empowers you to witness faithfully. • Discernment: Because the Spirit centers everything on Jesus’ Lordship, you gain clarity when evaluating teachings, movements, or personal impulses. • Worship: Realizing that confessing Christ is Spirit-enabled fosters humble gratitude and deeper praise. Responding in Practice • Rely daily on the Spirit’s power rather than self-effort to honor Jesus as Lord. • Stay in Scripture; the Spirit’s sword (Ephesians 6:17) keeps the confession sharp and vibrant. • Cultivate fellowship with other believers; the Spirit knits us together, reinforcing our shared declaration that “Jesus is Lord.” |
    |