Professing Jesus: The Apostle of Our Confession (Hebrews 3:1)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

What Is Profession of Faith?

In the Reformed tradition, profession of faith is a significant milestone. It’s the moment when a covenant child publicly declares, “This faith is my faith.” It is the declaration where they are moving beyond their parents’ profession and stating that they embrace Christ. This is the process that welcomes a covenant child to full communion in Christ’s church. Baptism marks them as members of Christ’s covenant, but the profession of faith is where those promises are personally embraced.

Beyond a One-Time Event

Too often, profession of faith is seen as a “one-and-done” ceremony. We might think that we profess our faith, and so there is no more tension in our Christian life, and the struggle is finished. However, the author of Hebrews reminds us that the Christian life is not completed at confession, because the Christian confession is a lifelong calling. Faith is not only professed once; it is confessed daily in the struggles, trials, and joys of walking with Christ. It is the child simply growing up and saying that the promises communicated in baptism are their promises. They have stood in the midst of the many witnesses making this profession.

Christ Our Apostle and High Priest

Hebrews gives us the assurance we need to persevere by pointing us to Christ as both Apostle and High Priest. As the Apostle, He is sent by the Father with full authority to act on our behalf. He is the definitive word and action of the Old Testament prophets. He confirms their word as a faithful representative. As High Priest, He offers not the blood of animals, but His own life, once for all, opening the way into God’s presence. This dual role shows us that Jesus is both the messenger of God’s promises and the mediator who secures God’s promise so we can draw near.

Holding Fast to Our Confession

So, our profession of faith is not just about standing before a congregation stating that we believe the Lord’s promise, but it’s about holding fast to Christ every day. In Him we find a high priest who never fails, a Redeemer who never leaves us, and a confession that leads us into the joy of God’s presence in the most holy place. Our call is to cling to Him, continue in Him, and walk in the confidence that He has done all that is necessary for us to draw near.