Confirmation is a sacrament in which the believer receives inner strength through the laying on of hands of the elders. It is a time of completion of catechism studies, a time when human and divine approval are shown. This sacrament enables a deep rooting and firm grounding in faith, preparing the believer to stand during times of testing in the future. Our English word “confirmation” comes from the Latin “confirmare”, which means “to strengthen in resolution, to make firm in commitment, or to establish in position.” Three Greek words are translated as “confirm“ in our King James Bible, but the more usual one is “bebaioo”. This word means “to make secure, to stabilize, to establish, or to make firm.”
Confirmation adds validity to recently learned truth through public approval.
After many months of catechism study, people are ready for a time of public recognition and approval. They need to have the community as well as its leaders add their commendation to their own sense of accomplishment in having learned the set body of truth. For this reason we all celebrate together. We dress and behave in a formal and festive manner to make this a moment to remember for all who participated.
Confirmation strengthens inner conviction through the approval of the elders.
In any teacher‐learner situation, the approval which matters most is that of the teacher and those in leadership. It feels good when the other students cheer but it is that A on the report card or that name on the honor roll that gives us the deepest satisfaction. So it is with spiritual accomplishment. The pat on the back, the handshake, and most of all the laying on of hands at confirmation, tells us that our leaders are proud of us and our progress.
Confirmation completes conversion‐initiation through impartation of inner strength.
In addition to all the psychological supports we receive through public confirmation, the most lasting strength we receive is that which comes through the laying on of hands and prayer. As we have already studied, spiritual blessing is actually transferred from one person to another by faith and laying on of hands. It is a spiritual reality when the elders pray over us to be rooted and grounded in Christ as never before. We will discover during times of testing that something inside of us was made firm and strong in the Lord. We do not waver and doubt anymore.
Confirmation provides an orderly transition from introductory to more advanced Christian study.
Graduation exercises have a purpose. We are built so as to need times of transition or shifting gears. We need to know when we have completed one stage of growth and are commencing another. Confirmation serves as a spiritual time of graduation from the elementary studies to the more advanced studies in which we learn how to apply what we have learned.
Confirmation provides the psychological support of knowing we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
We did not study in the comer. We did not invent all of this truth which is so new and wonderful to us. No, we are simply part of the universal Body of Christ made up of believers all over the world through all ages who learned the same things about Christ for themselves. All of us who encounter the living Christ learn the same truth firsthand. But when truth comes to us experientially, it gives us such deep support to discover others who have found the same things true. What a dimension of sharing is added to our fellowship through common knowledge!