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I. WHAT DOES IT EMBRACE?

1. A hearty reception of Christ (Luke 8:40; John 20:28; 1 Peter 1:8, 9).

(1)  Of Himself (John 14:6; John 10:9; Ephesians 2:18).

(2)  Of His work (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:24, 25).

2. An acknowledgment of the power of the Holy Spirit.

(1)  To renew (Titus 3:5-7; John 3:7).

(2)  To sustain (Ephesians 1:19; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Jude 1:24). Giving all glory and praise for our salvation unto God, through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30, 31; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Galatians i, 4, 5).

3. A public acknowledgment.

(1)  By union with His visible Church (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Romans 10:9, 10).

(2)  By everywhere acknowledging Christ's claim upon you and yours (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Matthew 16:24).

II. EXCUSES MEN OFFER FOR NOT CONFESSING CHRIST.

1. Personal unworthiness.

2. Moral weakness; fear of inconsistency; will not hold out; bondage to sin.

3. Have not sufficient knowledge —

(1)  Of the Word.

(2)  Of the doctrines of the Church.

4. Will defer it for the present.

III. REASONS GIVEN IN THE SCRIPTURES WHY MEN DO NOT CONFESS CHRIST. Because of —

1. Unbelief (John 5:38, 40; John 8:24; 1 John 5:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

2. Insincerity (Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 29:13).

3. Fear of man; sensitiveness to ridicule; ashamed of Christ (John 7:13; John 12:42; Mark 8:38).

4. Love of the world (James 4:4; 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4; 1 John 2:15, 16; Proverbs 1:24-32).

IV. REASONS WHY ALL SHOULD CONFESS CHRIST (Hebrews 3:12, 13; 1 John 4:15; Romans 2:4, 5; Proverbs 27:1; John 3:36). "What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17; Isaiah 55:7).

(W. H. Van Doren.)

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KJV: For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

WEB: For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."