Confirmation

Infant baptism is neither mandated nor forbidden in the New Testament but has forerunners in the Old Testament. In adult baptism, water and laying on of hands occur as one ceremony. Infant baptism often separates the use of water and laying on of hands by many years. The author of Hebrews teaches us that baptism and laying on of hands are separate foundational doctrines.

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” (Hebrews 6:1-2 NLT)

Why Confirmation

Why confirmation? Those baptized as infants confirm their faith at an age of accountability, the church confirms its love in laying on hands and prayer, and God confirms His love by sending the Holy Spirit. Of course, the last part is not something that we control. God gives the Holy Spirit at a time of His choosing.

Why confession? The believer confesses their personal repentance and faith.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32 KJV cf. Luke 12:8; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:12)

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15 ESV)

Laying on of Hands

When is the laying on of hands? In an adult baptism it usually occurs during a prayer concluding the baptism. In at least one case the apostles prayed and laid their hands on people long after their baptism, and they received the Holy Spirit.

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:14-17 NIV)

Why the laying on of hands? It is for receiving or being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is also used to bless (Leviticus 9:22; Psalm 139:5; Matthew 19:15), set apart for sacrifice (Leviticus 4:24), request healing (Matthew 9:18; Mark 5:23; 6:5; Acts 28:8; James 5:14-15) and confer authority (Numbers 11:16–25; Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

“So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ ” (Acts 9:17 NASB)

Though God can give the Holy Spirit at any time in His wisdom, church leaders pray expectantly as they lay on their hands.

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.” (Acts 19:5-6 WEB)

Timing

Is the order of events always repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit? On at least one occasion, God gave the Holy Spirit before baptism.

“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. They heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. Peter asked, ‘These people have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. Surely no one can stop them from being baptized with water, can they?’ He directed that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited Peter to stay for several days.” (Acts 10:44-48 CEB)

Infant baptism puts baptism before repentance. Therefore repentance must take place before confirmation and the laying on of hands.

Seal of the Spirit

God’s part of confirmation includes the “Seal of the Spirit,” whereby He seals us with the Holy Spirit of promise.

“and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.” (2 Corinthians 1:22 NLT)

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13 NKJV)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30 ESV)