Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
In Lesson 60 we are going to study the last part of 1 John 2:23.
Let’s read this part of the verse.
1 John 2:23...whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
Now, let’s go over the definition of the words.
Whoever (3956. pas) — means all, every, whole, or entire.
Confesses (3670. homologeó) — means to confess, to acknowledge, to agree that something is true.
The Son (3588. ho, hé, to) (5207. huios) — means the Son of God.
Has (2192. echó) — means to have, to hold, or to possess.
The Father (3588. ho, hé, to) (3962. patér) — means the Heavenly Father.
As well (2532. kai) — means also.
In other words, everyone who acknowledges and agrees that Jesus is the Son of God also possesses and holds a relationship with the Heavenly Father.
To confess the Son means to publicly acknowledge, declare, and believe in the true identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
This confession is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship and divinity and reinforces the foundational Christian belief that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Let’s explore some other verses that talk about confessing Jesus and what happens as a result.
In Matthew 10:32, Jesus teaches that those who publicly confess Him will be recognized before God the Father in heaven. In context, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the mission ahead, urging them to stand firm in the face of opposition—even when that confession could cost them their lives. He assures them that He will act as their advocate before the Father. This promise encourages us to live unashamed of Jesus and to boldly confess Him before others.
Matthew 10:32 Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.
In Matthew 16:16-17, we read about a pivotal moment when Peter confesses one of the most foundational truths of the Christian faith: that Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah—the Son of the living God. Jesus affirms that this revelation did not come from human understanding, but was revealed to Peter by God the Father. This encourages us to trust that when we believe in Jesus and confess Him before the world, it is God who reveals His truth to us, enabling us to stand boldly in faith.
Matthew 16:16-17 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.
In Luke 12:8, Jesus assures us that those who boldly confess Him before others will receive His affirmation. He will confess them before the angels of God. This verse encourages us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our public witness of Christ will be recognized and honored in heaven.
Luke 12:8 I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God.
In Romans 10:9-10, we are reminded that salvation comes through both belief and confession. When we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we are promised salvation. This passage teaches that faith in Christ is not merely an inward belief but also a public declaration. It is through believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth that we receive the justification and salvation God offers to all who trust in Him.
Romans 10:9-10 that 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. 10 For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
In Philippians 2:9-11, we see the ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ. Because of His obedience and sacrifice, God has given Him the name above all names. This passage reminds us that one day, at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This truth encourages us to honor and confess Jesus as Lord now, knowing that all of creation will one day acknowledge His supreme authority.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In 1 John 4:2, we read that the test of true spiritual understanding is whether a spirit confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This confession affirms both the reality of Christ’s incarnation and His divine nature. This verse encourages us to hold firmly to the truth of Jesus' humanity and divinity, knowing that such a confession aligns us with the Spirit of God and His truth.
1 John 4:2 By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
In 1 John 4:15, we are assured that anyone who confesses Jesus is the Son of God experiences a profound union with God. This confession not only acknowledges the divine nature of Christ but also invites God's presence to dwell within us. This verse encourages us that through our confession of Jesus as the Son of God, we enter into a lasting relationship with God, where He lives in us, and we live in Him.
1 John 4:15 If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
In conclusion, we have seen the powerful significance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God and Lord.
Here are some key takeaways:
Publicly declaring Jesus brings recognition before God, even in the face of opposition. (Matthew 10:32)
Bold confession of Jesus is a result of God revealing His truth to us. (Matthew 16:16-17)
Our confession of Jesus before others is acknowledged and affirmed in heaven. (Luke 12:8)
Salvation comes through both belief and confession, demonstrating our faith outwardly. (Romans 10:9-10)
One day, all creation will bow and confess Jesus as Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11)
True spiritual understanding is shown through confessing Jesus’ incarnation and divinity. (1 John 4:2)
Confessing Jesus as the Son of God leads to a deep, abiding relationship with God. (1 John 4:15)
Let us boldly confess Jesus in all areas of our lives, unashamed of His name, knowing that through our confession, we experience God's presence, salvation, and His eternal truth.
Let’s read the last part of 1 John 2:23 one more time.
1 John 2:23...whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
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Thank you and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
(Photo by Lukas Tennie on Unsplash. Skógafoss, Iceland.)
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