by Anna Haiar
Confessing our Faith in Christ
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 10:32 (English Standard Version)
For many families, the Rite of Confirmation is a joyful milestone. Our family, in particular, celebrated the confirmation of our oldest child this past Sunday, and there’s much to be thankful for. There were photographs, celebrations, and proud smiles from parents, grandparents, and church members. Yet confirmation is about much more than completing classes or reaching a certain age. At its heart, confirmation is a public confession of faith: a young Christian standing before God and His Church to say, “This is what I believe.”
The practice of confirmation has a long history within the Christian Church. From the earliest centuries, Christians received instruction in God’s Word so they would understand the faith they had received through Baptism. Some denominations have continued this tradition. Students spend several years studying Scripture, church doctrine and theology, and the foundational teachings of the Christian faith.
But why is this so important?
Following Christ is not always easy. Every day, we are surrounded by competing voices, shifting values, and messages that challenge the truth of God’s Word. The world tells us that truth is whatever feels right, that morality changes with the times, and that faith should remain private. Young people especially face pressure to fit in, stay silent, or compromise what they believe.
Confirmation helps prepare believers for these challenges. It provides more than knowledge; it builds a foundation. Knowing what we believe and why we believe it gives us confidence when questions arise and strength when our faith is tested. It equips us to recognize error, stand firm in God’s truth, and speak with gentleness and conviction about the hope we have in Christ.
In a world filled with competing voices and shifting beliefs, confirmation reminds us that our faith is built on something unchanging: Jesus Christ and His promises. The goal is not simply to complete a class or pass an examination. The goal is a lifelong relationship with Christ, grounded in Scripture and strengthened through worship, prayer, and participation in the life of the Church.
Confirmation is not the finish line of Christian education. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith, studying God’s Word, and boldly confessing Christ in a world that desperately needs His truth.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
