Beth-El Baptist Church

02/12/2012

Greg Tomlinson


What does it mean to be confirmed?


The Roman Catholic Church holds a confirmation event for those who reach a certain age and level of understanding. The purpose of the confirmation event needs to be compared to the Biblical concepts.


  1. How were people confirmed into the body of God's special people in the Old Testament?

Genesis 17:10-14


At eight days of age, every male child would be circumcised as a sign of being a part of the full assembly of Israel, one of God's chosen people.


  1. How are people confirmed into the body of God's special people in the New Testament?

Romans 2:28-29; 15:8-9 Acts 16:30-31


A true Jew (God's special people) is defined not by any physical marking but by faith in Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit which truly confirms a person as a member of the Body of God's special people.


  1. What role do people play in confirming others into the body of God's people?

1 Corinthians 4:3-4 1 John 4:1-3

John 8:23-24


It is not man who decides who is and is not a member of God's special people. It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who decides. Furthermore, being acknowledged as being part of the church is insufficient to actually be a part of the church. One major component of true faith is recognizing that Jesus is YaHWeH or JeHoVaH, the great I AM. The Greek of John 8:24 states “... if you do not believe that I AM, you shall die in your sins”.