6. We Are Confessional and Missional

Christianity is not silent or vain; rather God publicly declares to the world who he is through his creation, his written word, his history, his good news and his people. His people confess belief in Christ and thus live by that belief. God guides his people to exercise wisdom, discernment and discretion in life with characteristics of love and kindness that extends graciousness and forgiveness. This allows for Christians to be helpful, caring and sympathetic to those around them, understanding difficulties in believing and following Christ in the world.

Confession works differently than how religions explain and exemplify. Confessional people are merely ones who humbly explain God as their great hope in the midst of the world:

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense [explain; confess] to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:15–17 ESV)

Missional means one living by that confession. Therefore, Christianity lives out it's belief in everyday life entrusting the gospel as core to the biblical and theological beliefs about him. These coincide with baptism and communion, along with the whole of our earthly life.

Baptism simultaneously confesses belief in Christ and lives by Christ command to be baptized (believer's baptism; only done once after trusting Christ):

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20 ESV)

Communion simultaneously confesses belief in Christ and lives by Christ command to be remember him continually, together by sharing a meal or meal-like act of eating and drinking (not intoxication). The meal acts like a metaphor or example of something consumed that gives life. So, Christ' body and blood were given up (sacrificed) so that others can eternally live in relationship to God.

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves.For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:14–20 ESV)

There are historically written confessions that can help others learn about Christ and Christianity. Three popular statements are the Nicene Creed (325 A.D.), the Apostle's Creed (390 A.D.) and the Augustinian Creed (425 A.D.). The Nicene Creed explains Jesus' human and divine nature as read throughout the Bible. The Apostle's Creed summarizes Christian beliefs about God, the church and the the gospel. The Augustinian Creed explains the nature and relationship of God the Father, Son and Spirit.

A Christian's life is lived for God, hence why we say Christianity is being inspired by truth and love to make life, disciples, and churches all about Jesus. This results in God being glorified among the world, especially for the remaining world to trust him. So, we do not live confessionally and missionally to 'get' people or God, but rather, God has given of himself to love the world so that we know him. Therefore, we live beloved and friendly to the world.