What is the role of confirmation in spiritual maturity?

Confirmation is a significant rite in the Christian tradition, particularly within denominations that practice infant baptism, such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and many Protestant branches including Anglicanism and Lutheranism. However, its importance and the theological understanding can vary across these traditions. In exploring the role of confirmation in spiritual maturity, it is crucial to approach this sacrament from a broad, non-denominational Christian perspective, focusing on its spiritual implications rather than denominational specifics.

Understanding Confirmation

At its core, confirmation is a sacramental rite that is considered a deepening of baptismal grace. It is seen as the affirmation of one's faith which was professed either by the parents during infant baptism or by individuals themselves if they were baptized at an older age. The rite of confirmation involves the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and prayers for the Holy Spirit, which are meant to strengthen the confirmed in their Christian life.

Theologically, confirmation is often viewed as the "completion" of baptismal grace. In many Christian traditions, baptism is the sacrament of new birth, purification from sins, and the initial step of a journey in faith. Confirmation, then, is the strengthening for continuing and sustaining this journey. It is an important milestone in a believer's spiritual life, marking a moment of commitment to live out one's faith more fully.

Confirmation and Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual maturity in Christian terms involves growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). It is a continual process of becoming more Christ-like, deepening one's relationship with God, and living out one's faith in every aspect of life. Confirmation contributes to this process by inviting the Holy Spirit to work more profoundly within the confirmed individuals, equipping them with spiritual gifts and fruits necessary for their Christian walk.

1. Deepening of Faith: Confirmation challenges individuals to take ownership of their faith. Unlike baptism, which may be performed in infancy, confirmation is generally reserved for older children, teenagers, or adults who can make a personal declaration of faith. This personal commitment is a significant step in one's spiritual journey, as it involves a conscious decision to follow Christ and adhere to His teachings.

2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: During the confirmation ceremony, the bishop or presiding minister prays for the Holy Spirit to come down upon those being confirmed. This mirrors the apostolic tradition seen in Acts 8:14-17, where Peter and John prayed for new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The infusion of the Holy Spirit is believed to empower the believer for service, imbue them with spiritual gifts such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2), and to help them bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. Integration into the Church Community: Confirmation also signifies a fuller integration into the Christian community. It is an acknowledgment that the individual is ready to take on a more active role in the life of the church. This can involve participating in ministry, serving others, and being a witness to the faith in the broader community. Such participation not only contributes to personal spiritual growth but also to the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).

4. Renewal of Commitment: For many, confirmation is a time to renew the vows made at baptism. This renewal is a conscious reaffirmation of one's desire to live out the promises of the Christian faith. It is a spiritual milestone that reminds the believer of their commitment to Christ and His Church.

The Lifelong Journey of Faith

While confirmation is an important event, it is not the culmination of spiritual development but rather a part of the ongoing journey of faith. Spiritual maturity is not achieved at the moment of confirmation; instead, confirmation provides the tools and grace to grow more deeply in faith. The Christian life is marked by continual learning, growing, and serving—a lifelong process that confirmation equips one to undertake more effectively.

In essence, confirmation's role in spiritual maturity is multifaceted. It deepens one's commitment to Christ, empowers one through the Holy Spirit, integrates one more fully into the life of the church, and renews one's baptismal commitment. Through these aspects, confirmation aids in maturing spiritually, helping individuals grow as disciples of Christ who actively contribute to the work of the Kingdom.

As non-denominational Christians, embracing the essence of confirmation can enrich our spiritual lives, regardless of whether we adhere to the specific rite itself. It reminds us of the importance of a mature, committed, and empowered faith life that actively participates in the community of believers and the wider mission of the Church in the world.