Last week’s article we explained Confirmation according to the first distinct idea contained in the definition of Sacrament (Sacrament is defined as an outward sign/visible sign instituted by Christ to give grace) Now, we will continue to discuss the biblical basis of Confirmation as a second requirement of the Sacrament.
Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation when he said: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you- he breathed on them and said- Receive the Holy Spirit.”(John 20:21-22)
The first Confirmation in the Spirit happened on Pentecost Day (33AD). This is fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. This is when the Holy Spirit came over the Virgin Mary and the twelve apostles gathered in the Cenacle of Jerusalem. As Scriptures say: Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues of fire, which parted and came to rest on each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and begun to speak in different tongues” (Acts 2:1-4). The Apostles were so afraid that they hid themselves not knowing that when the promised Spirit comes, they will have the courage to go out and proclaim boldly the good news of Jesus Christ to the different parts of the world.
Last week, we published an article explaining the outward sign of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The matter which is the Laying on hands that signifies the coming of the Spirit, is in accordance with the example of the apostles: “Peter and John laid hands on them and received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17). The Sacred chrism makes us share in the prophetic, kingly, and priestly ministry of Christ, since in the Old Testament people become prophet, kings and priests by anointing. Isaiah was anointed prophet (Isaiah 61:1), Saul was anointed king (1Samuel 10:1), and Aaron was anointed priest (Leviticus 8:12). The anointing highlights the name Christ and Christian, which means anointed.
