Real Confessions
Text: Hebrews 10:23

Introduction
Parrots can mimic words, yet imitation is not faith. Confession in Scripture is more than syllables; it is truth spoken from a convinced heart and embodied in obedient living. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).

Hold Fast Without Wavering
Hebrews often summons disciples with “let us,” calling the church to draw near, hold fast, and consider one another (Hebrews 10:21–22). To “hold fast” is to grasp and keep—to adhere firmly to gospel convictions through every season (Hebrews 3:6; 6:11–12). Rocky-ground hearers receive the word with joy, yet fall away under pressure; steady hearts endure through trial (Mark 4:16–17). “Without wavering” means steady alignment with God’s word, neither swerving to the right nor to the left (Hebrews 6:4–6). The apostles guarded congregations against discouragement and inconsistency so that no one’s zeal would prove empty (2 Corinthians 9:3–4).

The Confession of Our Hope
“Confession” means “saying the same thing”—agreeing with God and publicly aligning with His word (2 Corinthians 9:13). It is an open acknowledgment of Jesus and a life that matches the message (Hebrews 3:1; 1 John 2:23). Confession rises from conviction that God’s word is true (John 12:42; Romans 10:9–10). We confess “our hope,” a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises. Diligence keeps that hope full; the anchor holds because Christ has entered within the veil as our forerunner (Hebrews 6:11–12, 18–20). Confession strengthens hope, and hope steadies confession.

God Is Faithful
The call to hold fast rests on God’s character. None of His good promises fail (1 Kings 8:56). He keeps covenant to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7:9). He remembers His word (Psalm 105:8). Jesus is the faithful witness, the Amen, the Faithful and True (Revelation 1:5; 3:14; 19:11). When we confess and forsake sin, He is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse (1 John 1:9). Faithfulness at the throne secures steadfastness on the earth.

Conclusion
The Christian journey aims toward the city of the living God: Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the assembly of the firstborn, God the Judge of all, the spirits of the righteous made perfect, Jesus the Mediator, and the sprinkled blood that speaks better things (Hebrews 12:22–24). Until that day, the church holds fast the confession of hope because the Promiser is faithful.

Invitation
Confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, with a convinced heart (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 8:37 NKJV). Turn to God in repentance, be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and rise to walk in newness of life (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5). Then continue in a good confession and faithful service (Hebrews 4:14).

Real Confessions — Sermon Outline

• Introduction

  • Confession exceeds repetition; it is truth believed and lived (Hebrews 10:23).

• I. Hold Fast Without Wavering

  • “Let us” calls the church to perseverance (Hebrews 10:21–22).

  • Hold fast: cling to gospel convictions (Hebrews 3:6; 6:11–12).

  • Stand steady under pressure (Mark 4:16–17; Hebrews 6:4–6; 2 Corinthians 9:3–4).

• II. The Confession of Our Hope

  • Confession: agreement with God, validated by life (2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 3:1; 1 John 2:23).

  • Rooted in conviction and openly voiced (John 12:42; Romans 10:9–10).

  • Hope defined and anchored in Christ’s priestly work (Hebrews 6:11–12, 18–20).

• III. God Is Faithful

  • Promises kept through generations (1 Kings 8:56; Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 105:8).

  • Christ the Faithful and True (Revelation 1:5; 3:14; 19:11).

  • Faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).

• Conclusion

  • Orientation toward the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22–24).

  • Hold fast because He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

• Invitation

  • Confess, repent, be baptized, and walk in newness of life (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5).

Key Takeaways

• Confession is agreement with God voiced in word and displayed in life.

• Steadfast confession flows from steadfast hope.

• Hope rests on the faithfulness of God and the priestly work of Christ.

• God’s faithfulness equips the church to hold fast without wavering.

Scripture Reference List
Hebrews 10:21–23; Hebrews 3:1, 6; 6:11–12, 18–20; Hebrews 12:22–24; Mark 4:16–17; 2 Corinthians 9:3–4, 13; John 12:42; Romans 10:9–10; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 105:8; Revelation 1:5; 3:14; 19:11; 1 John 1:9; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:37 NKJV; Romans 6:3–5.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO