[Greek] ὁμολογέω (homologeō),[German] confessor: to confess, to assent, to admit, to acknowledge; 25 scriptures
Pope Leo XII reminds all future popes to hold on to the true historic Catholic faith which was handed down by the Apostles. Yet Pope Francis and Pope Leo are holding on the Catholic faith which started after Vatican II.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to admit, to agree, to bear witness, to concede, to acknowledge, to allow, and to promise.
Andocides’ On the Mysteries 1.29: “I have never admitted guilt and that I have not a single offense against the two goddesses.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 4.154: “Now begins the part in which Therean’s and Cyrenean’s stories agree.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 2.18: “The response of the oracle of Ammon in fact bears witness to my opinion.”
Plato’s Phaedrus 231d: “They confess that they are insane, rather than in their right mind, they know they are foolish.”
Old Testament: This term, used quite extensively, means to praise, to give thanks, to confess, to vow, to promise, to give something to God, to swear, and to take an oath.
New Testament: This term means to declare, to profess, to acknowledge, to swear, to admit, and to confess.
Mt.7:23: I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you evildoers’. (This becomes a criticism against those evil and morally corrupt disciples. Even they will gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven.)
I will tell them plainly: This is direct and unambiguous communication from Jesus. Jesus is addressing those who claim to follow Him but do not truly live according to His teachings. This is divine judgment.
I never knew you: The word “knew” implies an intimate relationship with Jesus. This highlights the importance of a true relationship with Christ, beyond mere outward appearances or actions.
Depart from Me: This signifies a significant separation from Christ’s presence. This underscores the spiritual gravity, severe judgment, and eternal repercussions of rejecting Christ.
You workers of lawlessness: This refers to those who act contrary to God’s laws and commandments. It is a severe warning that mere verbal expression of faith is insufficient without a life that reflects God’s righteousness.
Jn.1:20: “He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, ‘I am not the Messiah.'”
Jn.9:22: “The blind man’s parents said [they did not know his sin was able to see] because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews agreed that if anyone who acknowledged Him as the Messiah, he would be expelled from the seminary.” (The parents were fearful of repercussions from the authorities for acknowledging Jesus as Messiah.)
Jn.12:42: “Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue.” (Although Jesus had performed may signs in their presence, unbelief persisted among the Jews. For they preferred human praise rather than the glory of God.)
Acts 24:14: “But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors.” (This new group of Christian were seen according to Judaism and the secular world.)
1Tim.6:12: “Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (Christians are likened to athletes who must run the Christian life. Paul demand Timothy to have total dedication and witness to Christ.)
Tit.1:16: “They [rebels, idle talkers, and deceivers] claim to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him. They are vile, disobedient, and unqualified for any good deed.” (Faith is also defined and illustrated by one’s works. Evildoers, by their own actions, deny God.)
1Jn.1:9: “If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins an cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” (Denial of the existence of sin is self-deception. There is also the continual possibility and recurrence of sin. Forgiveness and deliverance from sin through Christ is assured through acknowledgement of them.)