Using the term "confession of faith" means this site recommends it to other possible ways that could be used to decide whether or not someone has become a Christian:

Behavior.  Some Christians judge the reality of another's faith by their moral behavior.  The problem is that it takes time for a person's new allegiance to affect behavior.  Moreover, if we use behavior as the criterion, we are setting up a standard that we ourselves cannot meet.  By accepting one another as Christians based on a confession of faith, we avoid judging one another.

Action.  Some Christians judge the reality of another's faith by the action they took at the time of conversion: that is, did they say a certain kind of prayer.  The problem is that by stressing a prayer, the new believer can fall into doubt later as to whether the prayer was sincere enough.  When the person has confessed faith, prayer can also take place, but the conversion is not brought about by prayer.  It is brought about "through the gospel" and "by the Holy Spirit," not through a prayer.

Experience.  Some Christians judge the reality of another's faith by the inner experience of the new believer.  Typically the Christian will compare it to his own inner experience.  The problem is that each of us experiences things differently.  Feelings also come and go.  A confession of faith does not require that the person has a certain "feeling."  When feelings depart, it is important that the new believer knows his faith is based on the promises of God, not on his experiences.

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