There are two applications of this word, one of which is apt to be overlooked. The one is the confession of sin. This was enjoined by the law, and if accompanied with a sacrifice it led to forgiveness (Lev. 5:5; Num. 5:7). It is beautiful to see how Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel confessed the sins of the people as if they had been their own (Ezra 9:1-15; Ezra 10:1; Neh. 1:6; Neh. 9:2-3; Dan. 9:4-20). When John the Baptist was fulfilling his mission, the people “confessed” their sins, and were baptized (Matt. 3:5-6); and of the Christian it is said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9: Compare Psalm 32:5). We are exhorted to confess our faults one to another (James 5:16).
The other application of the term is confessing the Lord Jesus. The Jewish rulers agreed that if any one “confessed” that Jesus was the Christ he should be excommunicated (John 9:22). On the other hand, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved..... Confession is made unto salvation.” This is PROFESSION, as indeed the same word, ὁμολογέω, is translated. “Let us hold fast our profession”—“profession of our faith” (Heb. 4:14; Heb. 10:23).
The Lord Jesus before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession: He confessed that He was king of the Jews. Timothy is reminded that he professed a good profession (1 Tim. 6:12-13). Every tongue will have to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11). What grace for the believer to be able from the heart to confess Him now! To Him be the glory for evermore!