Whatever the outward procedure may be, whether it is simple or ornate, confirmation is essentially a spiritual transaction. As in other sacraments, it is a point of actual meeting with the Lord. Through the laying on of hands and prayer in faith, the Holy Spirit comes to the deep inner recesses of our personalities. There He deposits His own strength. He causes our innermost roots to grasp the Rock, Christ Jesus. He seals and makes the truth we have learned our very own so that it will not slip from us under pressure.

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22). (Note: the word “stablisheth” also means to confirm.)