Luke 12:8, commentary and pictures

Confessing Christ means openly acknowledging Him before people, including unbelievers and even a wicked generation, in word and in spirit, as Leader, Saviour, and Keeper. Such confession is more than speaking correctly about Him or merely claiming to believe, for it requires putting the whole heart into His service rather than striving in a tame, listless way, especially by those blessed with great light. It means showing loyalty to Him in thoughts, faculties, character, conduct, and all behavior, with Christ living within and with His meekness, love, mind, and spirit reflected in a holy life.

This involves daily prayer and watchfulness, and living, practicing, and doing the truth with supreme love to God and to those for whom Christ died. It means striving for eternal life by being true to principle and incorrupt in every phase of life, and living faithfully in private and in public — in the home, in the church, and in daily work — without selfishness. It means standing firm under temptation and giving up the world, its honors, and its applause for love of Christ, and confessing and forsaking sins while trusting wholly in His merits. Those who so witness on earth, sharing His sacrifice for the lost and upholding the truth of the third angel's message, become true, faithful witnesses for Christ.

Conduct contrary to His spirit denies Him despite profession of faith, and disloyal conduct crucifies Him afresh. This includes unkind or untruthful speech, avoiding life's burdens, sinful pleasure, conformity to the world, and self-justification. It also includes opposition to the fruits of the Spirit and to God's work of separating His people from the world. Everyone who thus acknowledges Him will be gladly, heartily, and joyously acknowledged by the Son of man before His heavenly Father, God, and the holy angels in the heavenly courts, especially when He comes in glory. Those who deny Him cannot expect His confession then and will dread the day of His wrath.

This acknowledgment means their names are retained in the book of life after review of each person's works and character with reward according to whether they are good or evil. They are declared worthy of salvation before the world and the holy angels, seen clothed in His perfection and righteousness to receive heaven's blessings. They behold His glory and enter Paradise to share the glory, joy, and life of heaven and the reward of eternal life, testifying before both angels and people that they have accepted Him. They patiently wait for this acknowledgment and give God rather than themselves the glory for being thus honored before angels and people.