Confirmation is a step of faith often associated with affirming one’s belief in Christ. While the Bible doesn’t use the term “confirmation,” it speaks of spiritual growth and commitment. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture supports this idea.
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What Does The Bible Say About Confirmation
Acts 8:14-17
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Confirmation is the sacrament in which the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon believers. This passage describes how the apostles Peter and John laid their hands on new believers in Samaria so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. It highlights the importance of the laying on of hands as a means of transmitting the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to believers.
Confirmation is a significant step in the faith journey of a believer, as it deepens their relationship with God and empowers them to live out their faith. It is a moment of spiritual awakening and an invitation to fully embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Acts 19:5-6
“On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
In this passage, Paul encounters a group of believers in Ephesus who had been baptized but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. After they were baptized in the name of Jesus, Paul laid his hands on them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This event shows the necessity of both baptism and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Spirit through confirmation.
Confirmation is a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, where believers are empowered to use their spiritual gifts for the growth of the Church and the spread of the Gospel. It is a moment of spiritual transformation and empowerment, equipping believers to live out their faith with boldness and effectiveness.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
This verse emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming and sealing believers in Christ. Through confirmation, believers receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which assures them of their identity as children of God. The Holy Spirit becomes a mark of ownership, demonstrating that they belong to God and have been set apart for His purposes.
Confirmation is a personal and intimate encounter with God, where believers are marked with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It is a seal of God’s ownership and a guarantee of the future blessings and promises that await them in Christ.
Ephesians 1:13-14
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
Confirmation is a sacred moment when believers are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit. It is through this sacrament that they become partakers of the promises and blessings of salvation in Christ. The Holy Spirit becomes a personal deposit, guaranteeing their future inheritance and redemption as God’s beloved children.
Confirmation is a powerful affirmation of a believer’s identity in Christ and their inclusion in the family of God. It is a moment of sealing and assurance, reminding believers of the eternal love and purpose that God has for them.
John 14:16-17
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”
Through confirmation, believers receive the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who serves as their advocate and guide. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, who dwells within believers, providing them with comfort, guidance, and wisdom.
Confirmation is a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit, where believers are empowered to live out their faith and navigate the challenges of the world. The Holy Spirit becomes a constant companion and source of strength, enabling believers to walk in the truth and experience the fullness of God’s presence.
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to teach and remind believers of the teachings of Jesus. Confirmation opens believers to a deeper understanding of God’s Word and equips them with the Holy Spirit’s guidance in discerning and applying the teachings of Jesus in their lives.
Confirmation is a moment of illumination and revelation, where believers receive the gift of wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit. It empowers believers to live according to God’s Word and to grow in their knowledge and love for Him.
John 16:13-14
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that He will receive what He will make known to you.”
The Holy Spirit, received through the sacrament of confirmation, serves as a guide and revealer of truth. The Holy Spirit does not speak on its own but communicates the teachings and plans of Jesus to believers.
Confirmation opens believers to the ongoing revelation of truth through the Holy Spirit. It enables believers to discern God’s will and understand His plans for their lives. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are able to glorify Jesus and participate in the work of God’s Kingdom.
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
In this verse, Peter exhorts the people to repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is the sacrament where believers receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s gifts and graces, which are essential for a life of faith and holiness.
Confirmation is a moment of repentance, surrender, and renewal. It brings about forgiveness of sins and marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s will.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Through confirmation, believers receive the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming believers’ character and enabling them to live a Christ-centered life.
Confirmation is a moment of spiritual transformation, where believers are equipped with the virtues of the Holy Spirit. These virtues enable believers to reflect the character of Christ and bear witness to His love and grace in the world.
Romans 8:15-16
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Through confirmation, believers receive the spirit of adoption, which enables them to call God their Father and recognize their identity as His beloved children. The Holy Spirit bears witness to believers’ spirits, confirming their sonship and establishing an intimate and secure relationship with God.
Confirmation is a moment of divine intimacy and filial connection, where believers are united with God as His children. It instills a sense of belonging and security, empowering believers to approach God with confidence and experience His unconditional love.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Confirmation is a sacrament that endows believers with spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit. These gifts are diverse and serve the purpose of building up the body of Christ and serving the common good.
Confirmation is a moment of empowerment and calling, where believers are equipped with unique abilities and talents to serve God and others. These gifts enable believers to contribute to the growth and edification of the Church and to make a positive impact in the world.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Confirmation reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Through the sacrament, believers receive the Holy Spirit as a dwelling presence within them. This calls believers to honor God with their bodies and to live in a manner that aligns with His will.
Confirmation is a moment of consecration and dedication, where believers commit to living a life that is pleasing to God in both their actions and attitudes. It encourages believers to care for their bodies, recognizing their sacredness as vessels of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Through confirmation, believers receive the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be effective witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share their faith, proclaim the Gospel, and make disciples of all nations.
Confirmation is a moment of commissioning and empowerment, equipping believers to fulfill the Great Commission. It empowers believers to bring the transformative message of Jesus Christ to the world and to impact lives for His glory.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Confirmation empowers believers with the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. The Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome fear, walk in love, and exercise self-control in their thoughts, words, and actions.
Confirmation is a moment of empowerment and liberation, enabling believers to live a life that is bold, loving, and self-disciplined. It equips them with the necessary strength and virtues to navigate the challenges of the world and to be effective witnesses of God’s grace.
Mark 16:15-16
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'”
In this passage, Jesus commissions His disciples to go into the world and preach the Gospel. This command to spread the Good News is closely connected to the sacrament of Confirmation, where believers are equipped with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses.
Confirmation is a moment of sending and mission, where believers are empowered to bring the message of salvation to all people. It urges believers to boldly proclaim the Gospel and extend the invitation of reconciliation and salvation to the world.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Confirmation calls believers to revere Christ as Lord and to be ready to share their faith with gentleness and respect. The presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives enables believers to articulate and defend their beliefs to those who inquire about the hope that they have in Christ.
Confirmation is a moment of readiness and preparation, equipping believers to engage in meaningful conversations about their faith. It empowers them to be authentic witnesses, reflecting the character and teachings of Christ to others.
Matthew 10:19-20
“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Through the sacrament of confirmation, believers are assured that the Holy Spirit will provide them with the necessary words and guidance when faced with challenging circumstances or persecution. The Holy Spirit speaks through believers, enabling them to testify boldly and truthfully.
Confirmation is a moment of inner strength and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It assures believers that they can trust in the Spirit’s guidance and provision, even in the face of opposition or adversity.
Acts 4:31
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
This verse describes the disciples being filled with the Holy Spirit after praying. As a result, they were filled with boldness and spoke the word of God with confidence and authority.
Confirmation is a moment of empowerment and boldness, enabling believers to speak and live the word of God with confidence. It emboldens believers to share their faith without fear and to stand firm in the face of opposition or challenges.
1 John 2:20
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
Confirmation is an anointing with the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to have an intimate knowledge of the truth. The Holy Spirit reveals to believers the depth of God’s love and the mysteries of His Kingdom.
Confirmation is a moment of illumination and revelation, where believers are enlightened by the Holy Spirit to grasp the truths of God’s Word and experience His presence in a personal and profound way. It deepens their understanding of God’s truth and empowers them to live it out.
1 John 4:13
“This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.”
Through confirmation, believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which serves as evidence of their union with Christ. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit testifies to believers’ relationship with God and affirms their identity as His children.
Confirmation is a moment of communion and spiritual union, where believers experience the abiding presence of God in their lives. It assures them of their connection to Christ and their participation in the divine life.
Romans 8:26-27
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Through confirmation, believers receive the Holy Spirit as their helper and intercessor. The Holy Spirit assists believers in their weaknesses and intercedes for them in prayer, aligning their petitions with the perfect will of God.
Confirmation is a moment of divine assistance and communion, where believers can rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and advocacy. It enables believers to pray with confidence, knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes on their behalf, even when they don’t have the right words to express their hearts.
Acts 9:17-18
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”
In this passage, Saul (later known as the apostle Paul) received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by Ananias after his conversion. The Holy Spirit’s presence enabled him to see again and marked a significant turning point in his life and ministry.
Confirmation is a moment of transformation and spiritual renewal, where believers are empowered to see and perceive spiritual realities. It opens their eyes to God’s work in their lives and equips them for their unique calling and purpose.
Joel 2:28-29
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
This prophecy in Joel speaks of a future pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status. Through confirmation, believers become partakers of this promise and experience the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation is a moment of inclusion and unity, where believers receive the same Holy Spirit irrespective of their background or circumstances. It affirms that the power and presence of the Holy Spirit is available to all who believe and is essential for living a life of faith and obedience.