There are two factors at work (hah) here. First is that public confession of Christ is a work, it is an act of faith, an "auto de fe" even. Second, that event happened before the institution of the Church... before the completion of the death, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord even.
And that is why it is not a work.. Saving faith is not like Dorothy clicking her heels together and saying I believe 3 times and getting back to Kansas
Saving Faith is not self generated or an act of the will of man. It is a gift of God
How do I know this? Cause the Bible tells me so..LOL
Jhn 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Second, that event happened before the institution of the Church... before the completion of the death, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord even.
Are you saying that one can not find Christ out side the church?...
Are you suggesting the life and words of Jesus had no meaning until after His deatth and ressurection?
Alternatively, are you suggesting a "public" confession of Christ is necessary"
This is not sufficient?
John 6:
[28] Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"
[29] Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."