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It would seem that the only likely defining characteristic left is that the statement be a statement of belief – -- whether second- or third-person – -- as distinct from an assertion of truth – , which is to say, an assertion that as such claims to be true. Of course, any statement of belief, sincerely made, necessarily implies just such an assertion. But, "(I believe that) Jesus is the Christ" is one kind of utterance – -- namely a confessional statement, properly so-called – -- whereas "Jesus is the Christ (is true)" is another kind of utterance – -- namely, a proper assertion, of either witness or theology.

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