CONFESSION WITHOUT CONVERSION

CONFESSION WITHOUT CONVERSION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 15:7-9

Supporting Texts: Titus 1:16, Isaiah 29:13, Romans 10:9-10, James 2:17, Matthew 7:21-23

INTRODUCTION:
In today’s Christian world, many people confess Christ with their mouths but deny Him by their lifestyle. It is possible to speak like a believer, act religious in public, and yet be a stranger to true transformation. This sermon addresses the crucial difference between a verbal profession of faith and a heart that has truly been converted by the Spirit of God.

Conversion is not merely joining a church, quoting scriptures, or attending services. It is a total heart change, a new life in Christ marked by obedience, holiness, and genuine love for God. Confession without conversion is deception—it gives false assurance and leads many to destruction.

Jesus warned against this in Matthew 7:21-23, stating that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. Therefore, this sermon challenges every believer to examine their faith and ensure it is not just confession, but a life transformed by Christ.

1. CONFESSION IS EASY BUT CONVERSION IS COSTLY
It is simple to say "I am a Christian," but it costs everything to truly follow Christ.

a) Mere words are not enough (Matthew 15:8)
Many draw near with their lips, but their hearts are far from God. Confession without heart submission is empty.

b) True conversion demands surrender (Luke 9:23)
Conversion involves denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus fully.

c) A changed heart produces a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When conversion happens, old things pass away, and all things become new.

d) God knows the difference (Jeremiah 17:10)
Man looks at the outward confession, but God sees the heart and its true condition.

Biblical Example: Simon the Sorcerer confessed belief but had not truly converted (Acts 8:9-24).

2. FALSE CONFESSION BRINGS DECEPTION
A person who confesses Christ without conversion lives under the illusion of salvation.

a) They profess godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5)
Their lives lack evidence of transformation by the Spirit of God.

b) Deception leads to spiritual blindness (Revelation 3:17)
They think they are rich spiritually, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

c) They are comfortable in sin (1 John 3:6-9)
A truly converted heart cannot continue in sin without conviction and repentance.

d) God will judge every false profession (Matthew 7:21-23)
Jesus will say, "I never knew you" to those who confessed Him but lived in disobedience.

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot followed Jesus outwardly, but never truly believed (John 6:70-71).

3. GENUINE CONVERSION TRANSFORMS THE WHOLE MAN
Conversion impacts not just speech but thoughts, desires, and actions.

a) It begins with a conviction of sin (Acts 2:37-38)
The Holy Spirit convicts the heart, leading to genuine repentance and transformation.

b) It produces the fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22-24)
Love, joy, peace, and holiness become evident in the believer’s life.

c) There is a hunger for God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2)
A converted soul craves spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

d) There is obedience to God’s commands (John 14:15)
Conversion leads to a life of loving submission to the will of God.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus confessed and truly repented, resulting in a changed life (Luke 19:1-10).

4. THE DANGER OF EMOTIONAL CONFESSION
Some respond emotionally to sermons but never yield their hearts to God.

a) Emotions fade, but true conversion endures (Matthew 13:20-21)
Shallow faith cannot stand when trials or persecution come.

b) Conviction without commitment is fruitless (James 1:22-24)
They hear the word, feel convicted, but walk away unchanged.

c) Churches are filled with unconverted confessors (Titus 1:16)
They profess to know God but their works deny Him.

d) The heart must be surrendered, not just the mouth (Romans 10:9-10)
True confession must come from a believing, repentant heart.

Biblical Example: King Saul confessed his sin but never truly repented (1 Samuel 15:24-30).

5. SALVATION IS MORE THAN A PRAYER—IT IS A NEW LIFE
Genuine conversion is not just reciting a prayer, but being born again.

a) The new birth is a spiritual transformation (John 3:3-7)
Without being born again, no one can see the Kingdom of God.

b) Confession must be matched by new conduct (Romans 6:1-4)
If we died with Christ, we must walk in newness of life.

c) Grace empowers change, not excuses sin (Titus 2:11-12)
The grace that saves also teaches us to live righteously and godly.

d) True believers endure to the end (Matthew 24:13)
A truly converted heart remains faithful, even in trials.

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross had a true confession that came from a converted heart (Luke 23:39-43).

CONCLUSION:
Confession without conversion is a dangerous spiritual deception. It gives the appearance of salvation without the power of it. God is not impressed with words alone—He looks for a surrendered heart and a transformed life. Many are in churches but have never truly encountered Jesus.

Today, God is calling us to examine our faith. Is your confession backed by a genuine conversion? Have you truly repented, surrendered, and begun to live a new life in Christ? If not, it is time to move from mere confession to real transformation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, examine my heart and expose any false profession in me.
2. Father, deliver me from the deception of shallow Christianity.
3. Jesus, give me a new heart and renew a right spirit within me.
4. Lord, may my life reflect true conversion and transformation.
5. Father, uproot every form of hypocrisy in my walk with You.
6. Holy Spirit, convict me deeply of any sin I have excused.
7. Let the fire of revival burn every pretence in my life.
8. I receive grace to live a life that pleases God in every way.
9. Lord, make me a living proof of genuine conversion.
10. May my confession be backed by obedience, love, and holiness.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. Your confession will not be empty; it will carry the power of transformation.
2. Every falsehood in your walk with God is exposed and uprooted.
3. You are receiving grace for true repentance and obedience.
4. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and holiness.
5. You will not be among those whom God says, “I never knew you.”
6. Your life will reflect the righteousness of Christ.
7. God is giving you a new heart and a steadfast spirit.
8. You will walk in the power of true conversion.
9. Your testimony will draw others to Christ.
10. You will finish well and enter the Kingdom with joy.