Profession of Faith or Possession of Truth

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Profession or possession? Does it really make a difference? Which is important? What is the distinction between the profession of faith and possession of truth?

Importance of Truth

The Bible and the Spirit of prophecy have given us important lessons on how to distinguish between the two.

As followers of Christ, we hold a high level of faith. It is very exalted since we profess to obey all his commandments and eagerly await His coming. It is a good profession according to Paul.

• 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

We must fight for this faith till our last breath by God's help.

• Hebrews 3:1 says, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

By declaring publicly that we accepted Christ as our personal Savior is a good profession.

When you accepted the ordinance of baptism, you publicly confessed and pledged to stand in opposition to evil. I was 17 years old, when I was baptized and began keeping the Sabbath. 27 when I accepted the reformation. And 24 years later, I took a step forward and received purer faith by being re-baptized in SDR with my wife. It’s a joyful day for me to declare my faith in Christ. Remembering our vows is one of the most effective ways to energize our profession of faith and faithful performance of spiritual duty.

Baptism is one of prerequisites in conversion. And for those who are babe in Christ, we have free Bible Lessons you must complete which is found in our site if you seek for baptism and you have a chance. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the cleansing of our sins and the new life we have with Christ. However, keep in mind that baptism does not guarantee salvation. It is simply another step toward obedience in following Jesus as Lord.

• Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

If there is no change in life, baptism will only serve as an external form. This transformation will only be possible with the help of the holy spirit.

• John 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Limitations of Mere Profession

Now, what is the difference between profession and possession?

Webster's dictionary says:

Profession - The act of openly declaring or publicly claiming a belief, faith, or opinion.
Possession - The act of having or taking control.

So, profession and possession are not the same.

“A profession of faith and the possession of truth in the heart are two different things. The mere knowledge of truth is not enough. We may have a knowledge of truth, but the tenor of our thoughts may not be changed. The heart may still be filled with tares. The seed of truth may be sown among thorns. Unless a man has that faith that works by love, and purifies the soul, he is unconverted.” Ms 14, 1898, par. 2 (February 9, 1898)

A professed Christians may be religious; we can see their outward devotion. You may see them attending church or performing religious duties. But not converted. Look at the fake revivals now who claim to be Christians but follow “another Jesus”? Many “so-called” Christians were baptized in the church yet continued to follow worldly customs and practices.

I read one news headline this week about “Christian nightclub” in Tennessee where young people came to pray and praise God before dancing under the strobe lights with “Christianized” hip-hop music and rap. It is sad, how the devil has mocked the Lord through these nominal Christians.

Yes, one can profess to be Christians while do not possess the transforming truth of Christ. It is essential to have Christ in our hearts and lives. This is why the apostle Paul exhorted us to remain faithful to our profession.

• Hebrews 4:14 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

Jesus is our great high priest, and he is now serving in the most holy place as our advocate and intercessor with God the Father. Since 1844, the investigative judgment continues until now, and our books are being examined to determine whether we are worthy of eternal life. That's why we are encouraged to hold and keep our profession strong.

• Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

In other words, we must be firm and unshakable in our loyalty to this genuine faith. Because there is a possibility we can let go of its grip.

James said that there is a condition when praying to God.

• James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

Another word for wavering is doubt. And doubt is the opposite of faith. If we entertain doubt, we are in danger. Because we are inviting the enemy to tempt us and take control of our life. When we are anxious, restless, unstable, and unsettled, fickle-minded and even impatient, we are easily carried away by the enemy, as well as every wind of doctrine, temptation, and lust.

• Proverbs 28:9 “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

If we waver and disobey God’s law, God will reject all our services to Him, even our prayers.

Professed Christians, who are wavering, are likened to a fool, who holds the truth in unrighteousness.

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• Romans 1:18, 22 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;” … 22 “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”

How are we holding the truth? Do we possess and hold it patiently without wavering or do we just profess to holding it, but it has no effect in changing us. Are you a professor or a possessor? What kind of fruit do you bear?

• Matthew 3:10 “And now also the ax is laid unto the roots of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.”

We are to be tested and tried by our lives, not by our profession. Our integrity and conduct must be holy. If we cannot bear the test, if our life will not show the good fruits of righteousness, we will be rejected. The fruitless tree shall fall and will be subject to future damnation.

“Satan works side by side with professed Christians; yet they are so destitute of spiritual discernment that they do not detect him. They have not the burden of the work. The solemn truths they profess to believe are not a reality to them. They have not genuine faith. Men and women will act out all the faith which they in reality possess. By their fruits ye shall know them. Not their profession, but the fruit they bear, shows the character of the tree. Many have a form of godliness, their names are upon the church records; but they have a spotted record in heaven. The recording angel has faithfully written their deeds. Every selfish act, every wrong word, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling, is faithfully chronicled in the book of records kept by the recording angel.” 2T 441.3

Our deeds and actions counted more important than our profession. In the scale of judgment, profession is nothing. It is useless if we don’t live out our faith. We must live the life of Christ.

Many people profess to be servants of Christ yet are not.

• 2 Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
• “At the present day a form of godliness is popular, even in the world. A profession of Christianity costs little. But those who follow Jesus must walk in the same path of self-denial and cross-bearing which the Master trod. They may be lightly esteemed by the world, but they are honored of God.” RH November 7, 1882, par. 11

God's Approval

The form of godliness without a true reformation is like a house that is built on a sandy foundation. But those who possess the truth, who walked as Christ walked will be honored by God because they build upon Christ as the true foundation.

• 1 Corinthians 3:11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

God’s word is the only foundation on which we can stand safely.

All the popular churches, Catholics, and protestants has fallen morally because they have denied the everlasting gospel and the power of God. Even the nominal SDA church of today, who received the greatest light from heaven, are filled by spiritual pride like the ancient Israel and are working against Christ.

“The more cold and formal men are in the religious life, the more they are filled with egotism, and egotism always works against Christ. You may have much knowledge, but unless you are the possessor of true, pure religion, your knowledge is worthless to Christ. He looks upon you and calls you lukewarm.” 16LtMs, Lt 122, 1901, par. 24

And this is how God treat a lukewarm Christian or churches:

“To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is: “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you.” { 6T 408.2}

The truth is, the SDA church boasted about their big numbers and large institutions and establishments, and the world was introduced in the church. They became corrupt, apostate, cold, and formal, removing Christ as their Head, and became false claimants of God’s promises. So, there was a call to separate from all these corrupt churches and not be partakers of their sins.

That’s the reason why we are here. We have taken up the banner of truth that she abandoned and raised it high. Because as prophesied in Isaiah 4:1, all the profess Christian world today, except for the remnant of her seed, have given up the teachings of Christ in the Bible only retaining the Christian name to cover up their corruptions.

• Isaiah 4:1 “And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.”

Just call us by your name says the popular churches today. The name is more important than obeying. Jesus says in Mark 7:6-7:

Mark 7:6-7 “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

The professors are called hypocrites. Like the scribes and pharisees, the word of God is a dead letter to them. They talk and act like believers. But they simply worship God with their lips, not with their hearts.

But what is acceptable to God?

“Not lip-service, not profession, but a humble, devoted life, is that for which God is seeking.” RH January 16, 1913, par. 11

The professors will hear the terrible words of Christ at the end.

• Matthew 7:22-23 says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
• Titus 1:15-16 says, “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

Profess Christians, or Christians only in name are unclean in the eyes of God because they are pretenders, disobedient, and reprobates, they are rejected by the Lord.

But what about us, dear ones? We all profess to be part of the remnant of her seed. Is this word not applicable to us? Are we exempted? Unfortunately, we are not. In fact, we have a warning:

"Our doctrines may be correct; we may hate false doctrine, and may not receive those who are not true to principle; we may labor with untiring energy; but even this is not sufficient. What is our motive? Why are we called upon to repent? – “Thou hast left thy first love.” Let each member of the church study this important warning and reproof.” Review and Herald, Feb. 3, 1891.

Our danger is leaving our first love. Actions reveal principles and motives. God is weighing our character. We must critically examine our emotions and motives and detect what is wrong in our heart and modify and refine our manners with the help of Melchisedek, the Holy Spirit. We must have a constant supply of the grace of Christ to maintain the warmth and purity of Christian love with one another.

“A profession of piety is not enough; if religion is not brought into practical service, and does not produce good works, it is valueless.” RH June 27, 1893, par. 13

Let us wear the righteousness of Christ. And put into practice the truth. Let us choose the way of self-denial, the way of the cross. Let us willingly follow Christ without hesitation and desire to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. Let us earnestly pray that God bless us, his faithful few, his little flock and transform us into channels of light for the world to produce good works.

If we do not live to bless others, we are unfaithful stewards, and we will never receive God’s word of approval, we will not hear the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Need for Possession

Our future eternal life is dependent on earnest work rather than words or profession.

Time is almost over, Jesus foretold that we would face persecution, but He also gave us a way on how to deal with it.

• Luke 21:16-19 “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Did you catch that? The word patience here refers to your ability to endure persecution. The word possess here means to get, acquire, or obtain your lives. In your patient endurance you can keep your soul from being overcome by the enemy. Patience is an important quality of saints.

In other words, instead of being weak and doubtful, we should be strong and faithful through Christ. We must be cheerful and peaceful despite the afflictions, reproaches, insults, and persecution that come our way. Let nothing upset or irritate us. This is how we will succeed, because the world cannot take away our inner peace and joy in serving the Lord.

We don't have much time left. We must be ready!

“Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have, for the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon His altar—self, property, and all, a living sacrifice. It will take all to enter glory. Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where no thief can approach or rust corrupt. Ye must be partakers of Christ's sufferings here if ye would be partakers with Him of His glory hereafter.” Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering.” EW 66

• Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

Do you complain or murmur during trials? This is part of being Christian so stop complaining, for our life will be more bitter. Whatever our Hope or whatever our profession, it needs corresponding work. God calls for action and works. The meek and quiet Spirit is the result of God's grace in the heart.

• Philippians 2:12-13 says, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

We need to exercise our Faith in the promises of our Lord while we work out our salvation.

“We must be guarded constantly. We have a heaven to win, a possession to gain, that requires the stretch, the vigilant exercise of every spiritual muscle. Half-hearted work will not do here. God will accept nothing short of whole-hearted service, willing service.” RH, April 12, 1887, par. 6

We must be vigilant all the time. He doesn’t accept a half-hearted service. Give Him your whole heart or not at all. We must know ourselves; we must know our strengths and weaknesses so we can work out what is needed.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:4 “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”

It is our duty to take care of our bodies.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Use our body and soul only for pure and holy purposes because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

• 1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Keep in mind that we are not our own. The blood of the Lord Jesus redeemed us, and we must give our heart to Him, our service and all.

Impact on the World

What is the evidence of our conversion?

“Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do. The works show whether the faith is genuine. It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. “He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.” 1 John 3:24 “Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3
This is the genuine evidence of conversion. Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness.” COL 312.3

The truth is to be planted in the heart. It must control our life; it must be put into daily practice.

What benefits does our profession serve if the truth is not permitted to sanctify our temper, our words, and acts, and if faith is repeatedly denied. God is deeply dishonored.

“Profession is nothing. A godly life, alone, will God approve.” Letter 28, 1889, par. 9

Do you show Christ’s character? Do you always reflect God’s love to others? Are your words and actions consistent, and do you confess our Lord? Do you live by His holy principles? Are you pure and undefiled? Profession of faith in Christ is not enough. BUT possession of Christ is. We must be patient enough to face all adversities and resist all temptations. Let us put the truth to the test and demonstrate its transforming power in our lives. This is what God approve.

“The world will be convinced not so much by what the pulpit teaches as by what the church lives. The preacher announces the theory of the gospel, but the practical piety of the church demonstrates its power.” 6T 260.3

Now, the question is asked again before I end, profession of faith or possession of truth? Are you a professor or possessor? You can honestly answer that yourself.

Lastly, this is my prayer for all of us:

• “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

May the God of peace, through the holy spirit, sanctifies and makes us holy when we possess Christ in our hearts.

I hope and pray that you are all blessed! :)

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