Confirmation in the Bible

Summary

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of baptism, where individuals receive the Holy Spirit’s power to become witnesses to the Gospel. It is not a second baptism or a 'graduation day,' but a strengthening grace to empower believers to share their faith, even in the face of persecution. The scriptural basis for Confirmation is found in Hebrews 6, referencing the laying on of hands, and Acts 8, where the Apostles lay hands on baptized believers to impart the Holy Spirit. This sacrament continues the mission of the early Church, with bishops administering it to confirm the faith and empower Christians.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sacrament of Confirmation completes baptism, providing believers with the power of the Holy Spirit to live as witnesses to Christ.
• 😀 Confirmation is not a second baptism or a 'Catholic graduation day,' but a sacrament that strengthens and empowers a baptized person.
• 😀 The main purpose of Confirmation is to give believers the grace and power to witness the Gospel, even in the face of rejection, persecution, and death.
• 😀 Before Pentecost, the Apostles were fearful and hid, but after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they boldly proclaimed Christ's message.
• 😀 Confirmation involves the laying on of hands by a bishop, anointing with oil, and saying 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.'
• 😀 The Bible references the concept of Confirmation in Hebrews 6:1-2, linking it to baptism through the practice of laying on of hands.
• 😀 Acts 8:5-17 provides an example where baptized believers in Samaria received Confirmation through the laying on of hands by Peter and John.
• 😀 Deacons like Philip can baptize, but they cannot administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, which requires a bishop or a priest delegated by a bishop.
• 😀 Confirmation is tied to baptism in early Christian practice, and both sacraments are closely linked in Scripture.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit is received at baptism but comes in fullness at Confirmation, empowering believers for their mission as witnesses of the Gospel.
• 😀 The distinction between baptism and Confirmation, seen in Acts 8, helps clarify the theological and ritual roles of each sacrament.

Q & A

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of Baptism, involving a second anointing with the Holy Spirit by a bishop. It seals the individual with the Holy Spirit and empowers them to bear witness to Christ.

How does Confirmation differ from Baptism?

Baptism initiates a person into the Christian life as a child of God, while Confirmation strengthens that initiation by granting a special gift of the Holy Spirit for active witness and mission. They are distinct but closely related sacraments.

What is the main purpose of Confirmation?

The main purpose of Confirmation is to empower believers to witness to the gospel, even in the face of rejection, persecution, or danger, providing them with special grace and strength through the Holy Spirit.

Is Confirmation a 'Catholic graduation'?

No. Confirmation is often misunderstood as a social milestone or 'Catholic graduation,' but it is actually a sacrament that imparts the Holy Spirit for spiritual empowerment, not a celebratory rite of passage.

Which biblical passages reference the laying on of hands for Confirmation?

Hebrews 6:1–2 and Acts 8:5–17 reference the laying on of hands, showing its connection with Baptism and the imparting of the Holy Spirit as practiced in the early Church.

What happens in Acts 8:5–17?

In Acts 8:5–17, Philip the Deacon baptizes people in Samaria, but they receive the Holy Spirit only after the Apostles Peter and John lay hands on them, illustrating the distinction between Baptism and Confirmation.

Why didn't Philip administer Confirmation himself?

Philip was a deacon, and only bishops or priests delegated by bishops can administer Confirmation. This emphasizes the sacrament's connection to apostolic authority.

Does the Holy Spirit come at Baptism or Confirmation?

The Holy Spirit is received in a general sense at Baptism, but Confirmation involves a special descent or strengthening of the Holy Spirit to empower the believer for witness and mission.

Why is Confirmation considered a 'second anointing'?

It is called a 'second anointing' because it builds upon the grace of Baptism by providing a further imparting of the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the believer's spiritual strength and mission in the Church.

How is Confirmation related to the early Church practices?

Confirmation, including the laying on of hands, has been practiced since the early Church. Hebrews 6 connects it with Baptism, and Acts 8 demonstrates that apostles personally laid hands on the baptized to bestow the Holy Spirit.

What is a common misunderstanding about Confirmation’s role in sharing faith?

Many think Confirmation is merely symbolic, but it actually equips believers with the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to actively share and witness their faith, even under challenging circumstances.