It took some time, but, I finally understand why confession is so important in the work of salvation. James 2 tells us, that when a person has faith an action follows. Remember, that the emphasis is on a person’s faith because their works or action is just evidence or proof that their faith exists.
James 2:17-26
We know the account of Abraham and Rehab; they were justified by works that followed their believing or having faith in God. Well, it is the same process for Salvation. For a person to be saved they must believe with their heart (THEIR FAITH) and that faith will cause them to confess with their mouth (THEIR ACTION or WORKS) that Jesus is Lord. That confession makes their faith complete.
Faith, which is just being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He had promised is never alone, because works always accompany true faith. That tells us how essential a person’s confession is in the salvation process, that is if they can speak vocally and that without it, their faith is incomplete, and they cannot be saved.
Similarly, works in salvation, which is just the outward doings like a confession and baptism, is never enough to qualify a person for salvation, because it is through faith in Christ Jesus that one can be saved. Faith is the Key that kickstarts the other essentials.
When a person is saved, the evidence is undeniable and change is continually seen in that person’s life. Grace that came by faith in Jesus, gives them the power to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present and evil world.
If you are questioning whether you are really saved because the evidence is not there, or you know that your heart was not fully convinced on the day that you made your confession, then I encourage you to revisit Romans 10:29, confess that Jesus is Lord while believing that He is raised from the dead, and Acts 2:38 repent and be baptized.
Remember Romans 8:16 says, that the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. That means you will become fully convinced that you are saved once you are. And will be sealed as a child of the Kingdom of God.
I applaud you for being concern about your eternal life.
Stay safe.