Profession of faith is a response to our Baptism. At a young age mostly as a newborn baby our parents made a vow through Baptism to raise the child in the church, as a follower of Christ, and the congregation also affirmed there support to the parents and child.
But in each believer’s life, there comes a time when it is important to make a more mature profession of faith and embrace all the joys and responsibilities of full participation in the life of the church.
Faith in the heart always needs to be accompanied by action. The apostle James says that faith is dead unless it is accompanied by works (James 2:17, 26). You can say you believe in something, but those are just words until you back them up with your actions. Even demons acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, but that doesn't make them saved or surrendered to Him (James 2:19). Early church Christians in Rome were persecuted when they professed faith in Christ. Their profession was met with the need for extreme action, requiring faithfulness to Christ sometimes to the point of death (Acts 2:1–41; 4:1–4; 8:1–3).
Abraham's faith was put to the test: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:21–24). The entirety of Hebrews 11 details multiple examples of believers whose faith required action.
While an outward profession of faith is important, as are actions of faith, these are not what save us (Matthew 7:21–23). We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). We must repent of our sins (Mark 6:12; Acts 2:38; 26:20) and be born again (John 3:3). When we confess our sins and place our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us and transforms our hearts (Ephesians 1:13–14; Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:29–30). As we submit to the Holy Spirit's work in us, our own desires and perspectives begin to shift into alignment with the Word of God. We lay down our fleshly self daily for the sake of Christ (Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20).
As the commitment of Baptism was not the choice of the child, in this the Profession of faith is to answer in the affirmative to the dedication that happened at the baptism.
These courses are normally offered in the spring with profession happening in MAY. There is a course currently in progress and being led by Pastor Erick.
We will have a celebration service in June.
Need more information?
Email or call Pastor Erick ericks@mountainviewcrc.org / 416-689-8721