5. Confirmation: Embracing Transformation 1 Co 1:4–9

Confirmation is an integral part of various Christian traditions. In these traditions, confirmation holds a significant role as a sacrament or rite of passage. It symbolizes a deeper commitment to faith and an affirmation of one's beliefs. Within the Christian context, confirmation signifies the strengthening and deepening of the individual's relationship with God and the community of believers. It is often seen as a personal and conscious acceptance of the faith initially received in baptism.

The Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed traditions of confirmation differ from Paul’s in ideology and practice. For instance, confirmation is considered one of the seven sacraments in Catholicism, along with baptism, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. It is typically administered by a bishop or a delegated priest. In this tradition, confirmation is seen as the sacrament through which the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon the individual.

In Lutheranism, confirmation is viewed as a public affirmation of faith and a personal commitment to the Christian beliefs taught in the Lutheran catechism. Lutherans do not consider it a sacrament but rather a rite of passage and a way to profess one’s faith publicly. Lutherans usually receive confirmation instruction during adolescence and publicly affirm their faith in a ceremony. The focus is education, teaching, and a personal confession of faith.

The Reformed tradition diverges from the Catholic and Lutheran traditions regarding confirmation. Instead of viewing confirmation as a sacrament or a formal rite, the Reformed tradition emphasizes the personal profession of faith and the individual's commitment to the Reformed principles and beliefs.

Paul’s Usage of the word confirm

In the Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed traditions, confirmation is seen as a personal and intentional act of faith and commitment on the part of the individual. The focus is on the individual's understanding, profession, and participation in the confirmation process.

On the other hand, Paul's perspective, as seen in his writings, primarily emphasizes the work of Jesus Christ in confirming and establishing believers. Paul often speaks of believers being "confirmed" or "established" in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. This confirmation is seen because of God's grace and the work of the Spirit in the believer's life.

While the individual's response and commitment are important in Paul's understanding, the ultimate source of confirmation is attributed to Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul highlights the transformative power of Christ's work and the ongoing presence of the Spirit in confirming believers in their faith.

So, while all three traditions and Paul recognize the importance of the individual's involvement in confirmation, Paul's perspective emphasizes the work of Jesus Christ as the source and power behind the confirmation of believers. As we delve deeper into this exploration, we will uncover the profound significance of being confirmed in Christ and its assurance to our spiritual journey.

The Testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.

The phrase "Confirmed in you" used by Paul emphasizes the personal experience and evidence of the transformative work of Christ within believers. It signifies that the testimony of Christ is verified through various aspects:

· The internal witness of the Holy Spirit,

· The manifestation of spiritual gifts,

· The fruit of the Spirit (such as love, joy, and peace),

· The growth in knowledge and understanding of the gospel message.

This confirmation reinforces our faith and confidence in Christ, demonstrating the truth and power of the gospel in our lives. Paul frequently employs similar language throughout his letters to confirm or validate the gospel message and its impact on those who believe.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22: Paul writes, "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." Here, Paul speaks of being established or confirmed in Christ, indicating that God has sealed believers with the Holy Spirit to guarantee and assure their salvation.

Ephesians 1:13-14: Paul writes, "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance." Paul speaks of believers being sealed with the Holy Spirit, which confirms and guarantees their salvation and inheritance in Christ.

We may be reminded at this point of the song Amazing Grace. One of the stances of the song the words or reframe reads.

These texts aim to encourage us by emphasizing that God initiated our transformation. Since the beginning of time, He has called us to become more like His son. Jesus Christ, who completed the work of atonement and paid for our sins, sat at the Father’s right hand and declared it finished according to the book of Hebrews. This work involves creating a new person and is revealed internally, but it also becomes evident through the outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit's gifts. As we receive the word of God in faith and it is planted in our hearts, we gradually develop the character of God and grow in spiritual maturity.

What is does Paul mean by the day of the Lord?

The question arises regarding Paul's meaning when he refers to the "day of the Lord." Once again, it is crucial to understand the context, not just within the immediate and surrounding passages but also within the broader texts of the New Testament. Paul employs the phrase "the day of the Lord" in two specific senses. Most of the time, he uses it to signify a particular appointment and a culmination. This is the day depicted in Revelation, symbolizing the time when Christ submits everything to the Father, and God becomes all in all.

However, there are instances when Paul discusses the day of the Lord as Joel and Peter describe it – as a day of imminent judgment. Paul and other early writers anticipated this judgment to come on Jerusalem for two reasons, Jesus said it would happen, and they rejected Messiah.

One notable passage where Paul mentions the imminent judgment on Jerusalem is 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16. Here, Paul addresses the Jewish people's actions in Jerusalem, including their persecution of the Lord Jesus, the prophets, and the early Christian believers. Paul acknowledges that God's wrath has come upon them due to their sins.

While Paul does acknowledge the judgment on Jerusalem in specific contexts, when he uses the phrase "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ," as in our present passage, his primary emphasis lies in its future eschatological significance. It refers to the day of Christ's return and the ultimate final judgment.

Therefore, Paul's usage of "the day of the Lord" encompasses both the impending judgment on Jerusalem and the coming eschatological day of Christ's return for the ultimate judgment.

Wrapping it Up

Let us find solace and inspiration in the assurance that God is faithfully at work within us. He initiates the transformation, calling us to conform to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are redeemed and set free through Christ's finished work of atonement and redemption. As we receive the implanted word of God in faith, it takes root in our hearts, leading to the inward confirmation and outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work. Let us eagerly anticipate the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. In the meantime, may we continue to grow in the character of God. Let us be nurtured by His Word and guided by the Holy Spirit as we journey towards that glorious day, confirming That Christ does live in us all along the way!