Tattoos for the Soul: Why Confessions of Faith Matter

Tattoos for the Soul: Why Confessions of Faith Matter

Have you ever considered getting a tattoo? Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years as a form of self-expression and art. But have you ever considered getting a tattoo that expresses your faith?

As a Christian, I have several tattoos that represent my beliefs and my commitment to Christ. But there is one tattoo that stands out above the rest. It’s the number “1689” tattooed on my hand. This number represents the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, a historic document that beautifully articulates the core beliefs of the Christian faith.

Why do I have this tattoo? Why do I think confessions of faith matter? Let me explain.

What is a Confession of Faith?

A confession of faith is a statement of beliefs that summarizes the core teachings of a particular group or denomination. Confessions of faith have been used throughout Christian history as a way to articulate and defend the faith, to establish doctrinal boundaries, and to promote unity among believers.

Examples of confessions of faith include the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Baptist Faith and Message. These documents are not Scripture, but they are based on Scripture and seek to accurately summarize its teachings.

Why Confessions of Faith Matter

Confessions of faith matter for several reasons.

They Help Us Understand the Bible

The Bible is a complex and multifaceted book. It contains poetry, history, prophecy, letters, and more. It was written over a period of thousands of years by dozens of authors in different cultures and languages. It’s no wonder that people can have different interpretations of its teachings!

Confessions of faith can help us navigate the complexities of Scripture by providing a clear and concise summary of its core teachings. They help us understand what the Bible says about God, humanity, sin, salvation, and more.

They Help Us Defend the Faith

Confessions of faith also help us defend the faith. In a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity, it’s important for believers to be able to articulate what they believe and why they believe it.

Confessions of faith provide a robust framework for defending the faith against false teachings and misunderstandings. They provide a clear and concise summary of what the Bible teaches, and they help us avoid the pitfalls of theological error.

They Promote Unity Among Believers

Finally, confessions of faith promote unity among believers. When we share a common confession of faith, we are united around a common set of beliefs and values. This helps us to work together for the sake of the gospel and to avoid unnecessary division and strife.

Examples of Confessions of Faith in the Bible

Confessions of faith are not just a human invention. They have their roots in the Bible itself. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people confessing their faith in God and his promises.

Abraham

Abraham is often called the “father of the faith” because of his unwavering trust in God. In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that he would have a son and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham believed God’s promise, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

Abraham’s faith was not just a private matter. He confessed his faith publicly by building altars and naming them after God’s promises (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:18; 22:9-14).

Peter

Peter is another example of someone who confessed his faith in God. In Matthew 16, Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was. Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

Peter’s confession was not just a personal belief. It was a statement of truth that had profound implications for his life and ministry. Jesus affirmed Peter’s confession and promised to build his church on the rock of this confession (Matthew 16:18).

Paul

Paul is perhaps the most prolific confessor of faith in the Bible. Throughout his letters, he articulates the core beliefs of the Christian faith and defends them against false teachings.

One of the most famous confessions of faith in Paul’s letters is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

This confession of faith summarizes the core teachings of the gospel: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. It is the foundation of our hope as believers.

Conclusion

Confessions of faith are not just a relic of the past. They are a vital tool for understanding, defending, and promoting the faith in our modern context. As Christians, we should be committed to knowing and articulating the core beliefs of our faith, and confessions of faith can help us do just that.

So, if you’re considering getting a tattoo to express your faith, consider getting a tattoo that represents your commitment to the core teachings of the Christian faith. It may not be as flashy as a dragon or a butterfly, but it will be a lasting reminder of what matters most.