CONFIRMATION: THE FOURTH SACRAMENT

PART OF SEVEN SACRAMENTS SERIES

Photo: Jacque Bethel Anderson / Pinterest

Author: Ken Klark L. Flores

Introduction

Confirmation is a Christian sacrament that completes the initiation begun at baptism, sealing the individual with the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a formal commitment to one's faith, which strengthens the recipient to be a witness to Christ and serves as a "personal Pentecost". Key elements of the sacrament include the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism, a perfumed oil, by a bishop or priest.

Recognition

Confirmation is recognized in some denominations, but its meaning, practice, and sacramental status vary. This sacrament in recognized in Catholic Church, and Traditional Protestants like Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and some Presbyterians often see it as a public profession of faith for those baptized as infants, while Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches practice an equivalent rite called chrismation that is often given immediately after baptism (Richardson, 2012).

Roman and Eastern Catholic considered a sacrament that completes baptism, while Orthodox practice "chrismation", which is anointing with holy oil. It is often administered to infants at the same time as baptism and first communion (Mackinlay, 2021).

Lutheran and Anglican are retain this sacrament as a rite, often performed by a bishop, for those baptized as infants to publicly affirm their faith. Methodist, similar to Anglicans, they view confirmation as a rite of passage that allows a baptized person to make a mature statement of faith.  Some groups, like some Presbyterian, recognize a form of confirmation to grant full membership, which includes the right to receive communion. 

But some denominations, like Baptists and Anabaptists, do not view confirmation as a sacrament at all, as they practice believer's baptism (instead of infant baptism) and believe confirmation is not a requirement. In Church of Jesus Christ in Latter-day Saints, it is a sacred ordinance performed after baptism, in which a person officially becomes a member of the Church and receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Many evangelical churches have a public "affirmation of faith" or "confirmation" ceremony where individuals, typically young people, publicly affirm the beliefs they were taught as children. This ceremony is not a sacrament, but a public declaration of faith and commitment to a life of service to God. 

Origins and Development

This sacrament lies in the New Testament, specifically in the practice of the Apostles conferring the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands after baptism. This practice is evident in passages like the Book of Acts, where Peter and John laid hands on the people of Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, and it is seen as a continuation of the grace received at Pentecost. In the Western Church, the sacrament developed to include an anointing with holy oil (chrism (meaning "anointing")), while the Eastern Church calls the practice Chrismation.  

This act is seen as a completion of the process begun at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.  Key biblical accounts include Acts 8:14–17 (Samaria), Acts 19:1–7 (Ephesus), and Hebrews 6:1–6, which refers to the "laying on of hands" as a fundamental teaching. The laying on of hands was the original gesture for conferring the Holy Spirit and is considered the origin of the sacrament of confirmation (Catholic Answers, 2004).

Conclusion

This sacrament, it equips the baptized with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, granting them strength to live out their faith, become witnesses to Christ, and deepen their bond with the Church. This sacrament is a personal Pentecost, leaving an indelible spiritual mark on the soul that strengthens baptismal grace and prepares the individual for a lifelong mission of spreading and defending the faith. 

References:

Richardson, J. T. (2012, November 9). The Sacrament of Confirmation and Protestants: Profession of Faith or Pentecostal Fire? The Lonely Pilgrim. https://lonelypilgrim.com/2012/11/09/the-sacrament-of-confirmation-and-protestants/

‌Mackinlay, S. (2021, November 8). Catholic Australia. Www.catholic.au. https://www.catholic.au/s/article/What-are-the-seven-Sacraments

‌Catholic Answers. (2004, August 10). Confirmation in the Catholic Church. Catholic Answers; Catholic Answers. https://www.catholic.com/tract/confirmation

Disclaimer 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the views of any religious organization or denomination. This article is for religious and educational purposes only.

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