Most traditional Lutherans are familiar with Confirmation. We often recognize it as a rite of passage for adolescents or as an act of commitment for adults. Unfortunately, we don’t always think much about its deep meanings. Briefly, let us review its general character and then look at the details of the rite in Lutheran services.
Confirmation, which basically means “strengthening,” is a rite of the Church that goes back to ancient times. It involves a profession of faith or affirmation of the faith into which one has been baptized and prayers for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This affirmation has often been accompanied by the Laying on of Hands on the heads of those confirmed, but many Lutherans have only required prayers of blessing as central to this rite of the church. In some other traditions, Confirmation has been administered by a regional bishop, but among Lutherans, the rite is usually administered by the pastor of the local congregation.
In Lutheran doctrine, Confirmation is not an independent sacrament but is a rite closely related to Baptism. As Baptism marks a birth into the life of grace, Confirmation marks a growth into that life. Confirmation affirms the rejection of evil and faith in Christian basics such as the Apostles' Creed. It looks toward a life of faith and discipleship in Christ's Church. Lutherans have emphasized instruction in the faith, especially from Luther's Small Catechism. This instruction includes explaining the Ten Commandments, basic beliefs in the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and basic points about Baptism and the Lord's Supper. There has been a renewal of Baptismal promises and prayers for strengthening and for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Although Confirmation can be an important step in Christian life and although it has often been associated with sound Christian training in the Faith, we must not overstate its value. The rite is not absolutely necessary for all like Baptism normally is. Although Confirmation has ancient roots and can reflect scriptural principles, the rite itself is not commanded in the New Testament by Christ or His Apostles. So let us respect the good purposes and uses of Confirmation without being legalistic about details.
No comments:
Post a Comment