Confirmation: What Does This Mean?

One of the most joyous days in our life as the church is when we baptize a sister or brother into the Body of Christ.  It should be a day of joy because this is our God-given purpose, commanded to us by Christ himself.  In other words, we are God’s hands and voice to call and gather others into the community of Christ just as we ourselves have been. 

For a young person, growing up in the church, one of the most sacred and memorable days is confirmation day.  Most will have been too young to remember their baptism.  But this day they remember—for it is today that they celebrate that they are God’s children—and vow before God and God’s people their promise to follow Jesus as his disciples. 

Most children come to church and Sunday school, pray, and study the Bible because of their parents  promised to raise them God’s way.  But all children grow up, and the time comes for them to make their own commitments: to what they will do in life; what they will believe, and who or what they will live for.

To do this, the young Christian must learn and understand—what does it all mean?  Who is God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?  What does it mean to be a child of God?  What does God demand of me?  Why do I exist?  How do I know where I will spend eternity?

Four of our young people have spent the last two years learning God’s answers to these questions.  They’ve studied the Word.  They know God’s commandments by heart.  They know God’s promises.  And now, they are here to confirm, before you and before God, their sacred promise to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.  Yet they do this not so as to earn God’s love and favor.  They confirm their identity as children of God because God has first confirmed THEM.  Make no mistake—confirmation is God’s work. 

You are here, because God claimed you.  Your parents may have brought you to baptism and driven you to church and Sunday school and confirmation class, but God used them for this purpose. 

Today, God confirms that you are a beloved child.

God confirms that you are forgiven of your sins.

Today, God confirms the promise of everlasting life.  By God’s grace and promise, you know where you will spend eternity.  There’s no question. 

You are a child of God—which means that your life has a definite purpose, even if you’re not entirely sure what career path you will pursue as an adult.  Your purpose is to know Jesus through ever passage of life; to be lifted up with saving grace in times of trouble; and, to shine as stars in the world because of who you are and the gifts God has given you.

Jesus gives his life to you—and today, you are invited to give your life to him.  This means that Jesus will be your Lord and Savior. You will be his disciples; who serve others rather than be served; who love others rather than be loved.  You promise to let the light of Christ shine in your life within a world so full of darkness.  You promise to make Christ first, to give him the best of you—and not in reluctance or fear, but in absolute joy, so that the peace of Christ may fill your hearts and minds as his love enfolds you every day.

So delight yourself in the Lord.  And rejoice in the person God has created you to be.  Don’t let others put you down; don’t believe the lies this world tells you that your worth is measured in how you look and what you own, what you do or how much money you have in the bank.  Be the child God created you to be, for you are wonderfully loved and awesomely made. 

You are a blessing just by being who you are, by forgiving and loving and caring for others just as Jesus loves and cares for you.

Today is just the beginning of all that Jesus is going to do for you and through you.  So rejoice and be glad.  Shine as the stars you’ve been created to be.  Abide forever with the Savior who abides with you.