Are you curious about how the Bible addresses the concept of Confirmation? This important sacrament strengthens our faith and commitment to God. Let’s explore some powerful Bible passages that highlight the significance of this sacred tradition and how it can enrich our spiritual journey.
Bible Verses About Confirmation
Acts 8:17
“Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
This verse speaks about the early practice of the laying on of hands. When Peter and John placed their hands on the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit. This act is often seen as a form of confirmation in the Christian faith.
It illustrates the importance of community and the role that leaders play in spiritual growth. As a youth, I remember being prayed over by my church leaders, and it made me feel spiritually empowered.
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.”
Paul writes about the confirmation of believers through the anointing and putting the Holy Spirit in their hearts. This is God’s seal of ownership, proving that we belong to Him.
It’s like receiving a divine promise that we are set apart for something greater. This understanding brings a deep sense of identity and purpose in our spiritual journey.
1 John 2:20
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
This verse emphasizes the internal confirmation every believer receives from the Holy One. It speaks about the inner witness that helps us discern the truth.
Knowing that we have this anointing helps us navigate life and make decisions that align with God’s will. My personal decisions always seemed better guided when I acknowledged this inner confirmation.
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Paul assures believers that the Holy Spirit confirms and testifies to our spirit that we are God’s children. This confirmation is an intimate, personal experience.
This verse offers immense comfort, especially when doubts arise about our faith and standing with God. It reassures us that we are indeed His children.
Acts 9:17
“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.'”
Ananias placed his hands on Saul (later Paul) to fill him with the Holy Spirit, marking a significant moment of confirmation in Saul’s transformation.
This story shows how God uses others to confirm His work in us, paving the way for incredible transformations through His Spirit.
Hebrews 6:1-2
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”
This passage talks about moving beyond basic teachings and advancing into maturity, including the practice of laying on of hands for spiritual growth and confirmation.
This verse inspires us to grow deeper in faith, emphasizing that spiritual confirmation is a step towards maturity in our Christian walk.
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
Paul reminds Timothy about the spiritual gift he received through prophecy and the laying on of hands. This act confirmed and recognized Timothy’s calling and gifts.
It’s a powerful reminder to value and nurture the gifts given to us, often through a community of faith and spiritual leaders.
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.'”
Peter’s words highlight the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit upon repentance and baptism. This initial act of faith brings the confirmation of God’s Spirit into our lives.
This verse emphasizes the importance of baptism as an outward sign of an inward change, confirming our commitment to walk with Christ.
Ephesians 1:13
“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.”
Believers are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit when they believe in the gospel. This seal serves as confirmation of their salvation and identity in Christ.
It’s like having a divine certification of belonging to God’s family, offering assurance and security in our spiritual journey.
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.”
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, who would teach and remind us of His words. This ongoing guidance acts as a confirmation of our continued growth and understanding in the faith.
It reassures us that we are not alone in our journey, as the Holy Spirit actively works within us to confirm God’s truths and promises.
1 Samuel 16:13
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
When Samuel anointed David, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully. This anointing was a significant confirmation of God’s choice and David’s future as king.
It’s encouraging to know that God confirms His plans for us and empowers us through His Spirit to fulfill our destiny.
John 16:13
“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.”
Jesus speaks of the Spirit of truth, who will guide us into all truth. This guidance is a form of confirmation, helping us discern God’s will and future plans.
It brings a deep sense of trust, knowing that the Holy Spirit leads us in truth and prepares us for what lies ahead.
Galatians 3:14
“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
Paul explains that through Christ, we receive the promise of the Spirit by faith. This promise is a confirmation of God’s blessing, extending even to the Gentiles.
It broadens our understanding of God’s inclusive love and the confirmation of His promises to all who believe.
Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
John the Baptist speaks of the coming of Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism is a profound confirmation of Jesus’ transformative power.
It’s a powerful reminder of the deeper, more spiritual baptism we receive through Christ, confirming our place in His kingdom.
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Paul emphasizes that all believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body. This unity in the Spirit serves as a confirmation of our kinship and collective identity in Christ.
It fosters a sense of belonging and unity among believers, no matter their background or status.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This prophetic verse speaks of an anointing that confirms a mission to bring good news, heal, and liberate. It’s often echoed in the New Testament as a fulfillment in Jesus.
It’s a reminder that our anointing and confirmation come with a purpose to serve and uplift others.
2 Timothy 1:6
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Paul urges Timothy to rekindle the gift of God within him, received through the laying on of hands. This act of confirmation needs to be continually nurtured and utilized.
It serves as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to develop the gifts and confirmation received from God.
Luke 24:49
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, who will clothe them with power. This divine empowerment serves as confirmation for their mission ahead.
It’s a lesson in patience and trust, waiting for God’s timing and empowerment for the tasks He sets before us.
Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Paul advises not to grieve the Holy Spirit, who has sealed believers for redemption. This seal is a confirmation of God’s ultimate promise of salvation and redemption.
It encourages us to live in a way that honors this confirmation and the Holy Spirit’s presence within us.
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Peter assures that God will restore, strengthen, and establish believers after a period of suffering. This promise serves as a confirmation of God’s faithfulness and grace.
It offers hope and encouragement, knowing that our trials will lead to a confirmed and stronger faith.
Colossians 2:2
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”
Paul’s desire for believers to be encouraged and united reveals the heart of spiritual confirmation. It’s about growing in understanding and knowledge of Christ.
This verse highlights the richness of a confirmed faith, deepening our relationship with God and each other.
1 Corinthians 2:12
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
Paul points out that we have received the Spirit of God to understand His gifts. This understanding is a form of confirmation of the divine treasures bestowed upon us.
It brings clarity and appreciation for the blessings we receive from God, enhancing our spiritual walk.
Acts 13:52
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
This simple statement reflects the joy and filling of the Holy Spirit experienced by the disciples. This filling is a confirmation of God’s presence and approval.
It’s a beautiful reminder that joy often accompanies the confirmation of the Spirit in our lives.
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Paul explains that God’s love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, is a powerful confirmation of our hope and faith.
It reassures us of God’s deep love, reinforcing our hope and trust in His promises.
John 16:7
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Jesus explains the necessity of His departure so that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, can come. This Advocate serves as a confirmation of Jesus’ continued care and guidance.
It offers comfort, knowing that the Holy Spirit’s presence is a testament to Jesus’ ongoing intercession and support.
Jeremiah 31:33
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
God’s promise to write His law on our hearts is a powerful confirmation of His covenant relationship with us. It’s a profound internal guidance and connection with God.
This verse highlights the intimate and personal nature of God’s confirmation and commitment to His people.
2 Corinthians 3:6
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
Paul speaks of a new covenant confirmed by the Spirit, which gives life. This spiritual confirmation surpasses the old covenant of the letter, bringing a life-giving relationship with God.
It’s an invitation to embrace the Spirit’s life-giving power in our walk with God, confirming our role as ministers of this new covenant.
Romans 8:9
“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
This verse highlights that the presence of the Spirit confirms our belonging to Christ. Living in the realm of the Spirit is a distinctive mark of our faith and identity in Him.
It challenges us to reflect on our lives and be assured of the Spirit’s confirming presence within us.
2 Peter 1:21
“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Peter explains that true prophecy comes from being carried along by the Holy Spirit. This divine origin of prophecy serves as a confirmation of God’s message through human vessels.
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Wives Duties
What Does the Bible Say About Confirmation?
When we talk about the concept of confirmation, we might find it useful to think about how it connects to the idea of affirming our faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus. Although the word “confirmation” isn’t specifically mentioned in the Bible, the ideas and principles connected to it are present throughout Scripture.
In the early Church, the apostles had a key role in nurturing and confirming new believers. For instance, after Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, about three thousand people were baptized and continued to learn from the apostles (Acts 2:41-42). This shows that believers were not left to walk their faith journey alone but were supported and guided by the community and their leaders. It’s a reminder of how important it is for us to be part of a faith community.
Furthermore, in the letters of Paul, we see encouragement and guidance for growth and steadfastness in faith. Paul often wrote to different churches, offering wisdom and urging believers to remain firm in their faith. For example, in his letter to the Romans, Paul talks about the importance of transformation by renewing our minds, so we can understand God’s will and live accordingly (Romans 12:2). This transformation and commitment to our faith can be seen as a form of confirmation, where we continually affirm our dedication to God’s path.
Additionally, the practice of laying on of hands, seen in the New Testament, is a significant act tied to confirmation. When believers had the apostles lay hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live out their faith with strength and conviction (Acts 8:17). This act symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s role in confirming and strengthening believers.
The essence of confirmation, therefore, can be found in these biblical principles: growth in faith, the community’s role in supporting us, the guidance of spiritual leaders, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. These elements are crucial for us as we seek to deepen and affirm our commitment to our beliefs.
In bringing all of this together, we see that while the specific ceremony of confirmation as we know it might not be explicitly detailed in the Bible, the foundational elements are present. The Scripture offers us numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of affirming our faith, growing in our relationship with God, and being supported by our faith community. So, in our journey, we can find strength and encouragement through these biblical principles as we strive to confirm our dedication to living out the teachings of Jesus.