Understanding The Meaning Of Making A Profession Of Faith

A profession of faith is a personal and public declaration of one's belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and their intent to follow him. It is not limited to baptism but can also be expressed through sharing one's testimony with others. This profession is an important demonstration of a person's intention to follow Christ and is often accompanied by concrete action steps, such as water baptism, which symbolises the death of sin and resurrection in Christ. While an outward profession of faith is significant, it is the faith in one's heart and the corresponding actions that truly matter.

Public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord

A profession of faith is a public declaration of one's intent to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This can be done through baptism, an outward symbol of an inner relationship with God, or by sharing one's testimony with others.

Romans 10:9-10 shows the value of a profession of faith in Christ:

> "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Faith in the heart is accompanied by a profession of the mouth. Those who are saved will speak of their salvation—even when that profession could lead to persecution or death, as it did for the Christians in Rome to whom Paul was writing.

Our words do not save us; salvation is a spiritual work performed by the Holy Spirit, by grace through the gift of faith. However, a public profession of faith is an important part of the Christian journey. It is a way to declare that we are not ashamed to be called followers of Christ.

Baptism is a significant way to publicly profess one's faith. It is a symbol of commitment and devotion to Christ, representing our death to sin and our resurrection in Christ.

In addition to baptism, sharing one's testimony is another form of public profession. A testimony is a Christian sharing their story of faith, which can be a powerful way to spread the good news of Christ's redemption and transformation in their lives.

The Church of God's Declaration of Faith includes statements such as the belief in the Holy Trinity, the virgin birth of Jesus, his crucifixion and resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins through faith in his blood.

Publicly declaring one's faith in Jesus Christ as Lord involves both external actions and internal beliefs. It is a courageous act that may evoke persecution, but it is a powerful way to share the good news of salvation with others.

The profession of faith as a sacrament

The profession of faith is a personal and public declaration of one's belief in and devotion to God. It is a testament to one's intention to follow Christ and is often demonstrated through the sacrament of baptism.

In Christianity, the profession of faith is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This profession is an outward expression of an inner relationship with God and is a testament to one's intention to follow Christ in all their ways. The Bible says, "Lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession [profession in the KJV] in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12). This profession is not just about words but also actions, as the Bible declares, "by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20).

Baptism is a common way to publicly profess faith in Christ. It is a symbolic act that represents the death of one's old self and the resurrection to new life in Christ. It is an outward demonstration of the inward work of the Holy Spirit and is an important step in the Christian faith journey.

In the Catholic Church, when individuals are received into the communion, they make a profession of faith, stating:

> "I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God."

This profession of faith is often followed by the Nicene Creed, which summarises the core beliefs of Catholicism. Additionally, adults joining the Catholic Church are asked to abjure their previous faith and make a profession of faith using the Tridentine Profession of Faith.

In Lutheranism, when an individual joins the church, they make a profession of faith, declaring their personal conversion and faith in Jesus before being baptised.

In Anglicanism, a profession of faith is made by those nominated for the office of bishop, and during baptisms, the candidate or their sponsors make a profession of faith using the Apostles' Creed.

In the United Methodist Church, a profession of faith is made by parents or sponsors during the sacrament of Holy Baptism, and it is also required for confirmands and new Christians joining the church.

The profession of faith is a powerful act of declaring one's beliefs and devotion to God. It is a public statement that often carries weight and seriousness, especially in the early church when it could lead to persecution or martyrdom. It is an important step in the Christian journey, demonstrating one's commitment to following Christ and living a life that honours Him.

The importance of a profession of faith

A profession of faith is a personal and public statement of belief or faith. It is a person's public declaration of their intent to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Secondly, a profession of faith is important for the growth of the Christian community. When individuals boldly proclaim their faith, as seen in the early church, it attracts others to the faith and expands the Christian community.

Thirdly, a profession of faith is a testament to God's work in an individual's life. When someone experiences God's transformative power, they cannot help but share their story, giving glory to God and testifying to His goodness.

Furthermore, a profession of faith is a demonstration of authenticity and sincerity. In Matthew 7:20, the Bible declares, "by their fruits you will know them". True faith will manifest in doctrine, worship, and morality, impacting conversation, habits, recreation, and ambitions.

Lastly, a profession of faith is an act of obedience to Jesus' command to confess Him before men. It is a declaration that we are not ashamed to be called His followers, even in the face of potential persecution or martyrdom, as experienced by the early Christians.

While a profession of faith is important, it is essential to remember that salvation is not by words alone but by the possession of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in an individual's heart.

The profession of faith in different Christian denominations

A profession of faith is a public declaration of one's belief in God and their commitment to following Jesus Christ and his teachings. It is a fundamental act in the life of a believer, often occurring during childhood or adolescence through sacraments like confirmation or communion. This act of courage and commitment marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and spiritual growth.

Different Christian denominations have their own specific practices and requirements for the profession of faith:

Catholicism

In the Catholic Church, the profession of faith is often associated with the rite of reception for baptised Christians joining the communion of the Church. The individual is not required to publicly abjure heresy but simply professes their faith, usually after reciting the Nicene Creed with the congregation. The profession of faith may include:

> "I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God."

Historically, those joining the Catholic Church were expected to abjure their previous faith, but today, this is typically done in private confession rather than publicly. The Catholic Church also has a long version of the Profession of Catholic Faith, composed by Pope Pius IV.

Additionally, specific members of the Catholic faithful receiving an office related to the investigation of truths of faith and morals or governance of the Church are expected to make a profession of faith, beginning with the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.

Lutheranism

When an individual joins a Lutheran church, they become a Lutheran by making a profession of faith, typically through witnessing to their personal conversion and faith in Jesus before being baptised.

Anglicanism

In Anglican churches, a profession of faith is typically made by those nominated for the office of bishop. For baptisms in the Church of England, the profession of faith is made by the candidate or their sponsors through the Apostles' Creed.

Methodism

In the United Methodist Church, a profession of faith is made by the parents or sponsors of an individual receiving the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Additionally, confirmands and new Christians joining the church also make a profession of faith.

Baptist, Pentecostal, and Nondenominational Christianity

In Baptist, Pentecostal, and nondenominational churches adhering to the doctrine of the believers' church, the profession of faith involves witnessing to one's personal conversion and faith in Jesus before being baptised. This rite is reserved for adolescents and adults, reflecting their personal choice to follow Christ.

The profession of faith in other religions

The act of making a profession of faith is not unique to Christianity. While the phrase is often used to refer to a Christian's public declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ, other religions also have their own versions of this ritual.

Judaism

Among Jews, the profession of faith takes the form of the Shema Israel (שמע ישראל in Hebrew), which means "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This declaration of monotheism is a fundamental expression of Jewish faith and is often recited in daily prayer and religious ceremonies.

Islam

In Islam, the profession of faith is known as the Shahada and is one of the five pillars of the religion. The Shahada is a declaration of faith in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is often recited during daily prayers and is considered the most important obligation for a Muslim.

Catholicism

Within the Catholic Church, there are various rituals and ceremonies that involve professions of faith. For example, when joining the Catholic Church, individuals are typically required to make a profession of faith, renouncing their previous religious beliefs and affirming their acceptance of Catholic doctrine. This profession of faith often includes reciting the Nicene Creed, which summarises the core beliefs of Catholicism.

Additionally, specific offices within the Catholic Church, such as the office of bishop, also require a profession of faith. This profession typically involves a more detailed affirmation of specific Catholic doctrines and teachings.

Anglicanism and Lutheranism

Anglican and Lutheran churches also place importance on professions of faith. In the Anglican tradition, a profession of faith is typically made by those nominated for the office of bishop. Similarly, in Lutheran churches, individuals becoming Lutherans are expected to make a profession of faith, affirming their acceptance of Lutheran doctrine.

Baptist, Pentecostal, and Nondenominational Christianity

In Baptist, Pentecostal, and nondenominational Christian traditions, the profession of faith is centred on witnessing and declaring one's personal conversion and faith in Jesus Christ. This profession is typically made before believer's baptism, which is reserved for adolescents and adults.

While the specifics vary, the underlying theme across these religions is the public affirmation and declaration of one's faith and commitment to the tenets and beliefs of that particular religion.

Frequently asked questions