Confirmation - Theology III

What is Confirmation meant to do?

It is meant to finish what baptism started

Exodus 29:1-9

identification: Moses anoints Aaron and his sons as priests of Israel 

significance: relationship between priesthood and anointing 

1 Samuel 16:1-3

identification: David is anointed new king of Israel by the prophet Samuel

significance: relationship between kingship and anointing

1 Kings 19:13-19

identification: God commands Elijah to anoint Elisha as the next prophet of Israel

significance: relationship between prophet and anointing

Joel 2:27-29

identification: God promises to pour out his spirit upon all flesh

significance: is a prophecy 

• when spirit comes down supernatural things will happen

★ Isaiah 11:1-5

identification: a descendant of David, the anointed one will posses the gifts of the Spirit

significance: a Messianic prophecy, first time the gifts of the Spirit are mentioned

Luke 4:16-21

identification: Jesus identifies himself as the anointed one of Israel

significance: one of the prophecies that fulfills Isaiah

Mark 14:1-9

identification: Jesus is anointed by Mary Magdalene in preparation for burial a week before his death

significance: Jesus does receive anointing, Mary Magdalene represents the nation of Israel, so he’s being anointed by the nation 

John 14:15-31

identification: Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles

significance: this is a prophecy of our Lord 

Acts 2:1-13

identification: the story of the Pentecost, the day that the Holy Spirit descends on Mary and the Apostles

significance: this fulfills the prophecy of Joel (2:27-29) and fulfills Jesus’ prophecy in John (14:15-31) 

• moment the apostles receive the Holy Spirit

★ Acts 8:14-17

identification: Peter and John lay hands on the Christians in Samaria so they can receive the Holy Spirit 

significance: establishes that receiving the Spirit is somethings that happens after Baptism 

★ Acts 19:1-7

identification: Paul lays lands on 12 men so they can receive the Holy Spirit after Baptism

significance: Paul is doing what Peter and John did, laying hands to give people Holy Spirit after Baptism

• connected to Acts 8

Romans 12:6-9

identification: Paul tells Christians to use the gifts they’ve been given

significance: stresses that different people have different gifts 

★ 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

identification: Paul says those who receive the Holy Spirit receives the gifts of the Spirit 

significance: the effects of receiving the Spirit, fulfillment of Isaiah 

★ 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

identification: Paul says those who have been anointed have been sealed to God

significance: describing a further effect of Confirmation/us receiving anointing 

Ephesians 1:11-14

identification: Paul says when you receive the Holy Spirit, you are sealed to the Spirit

significance: effect of being sealed

Hebrews 6:1-2

identification: the author says the laying on of hands is a sign of Christian maturity 

significance: Christians are supposed to move on toward maturity (with Confirmation)

1 John 2:18-29

identification: John says those who are anointed will receive eternal life

significance: effect of anointing; the hope of salvation 

Revelation 7:1-8

identification: the 144,000 are sealed from the angels and protected from harm 

significance: this is our hope, the hope of all those who receive the seal 

Biblical Basis

Isaiah 11:1-5

Acts 8:14-17

Acts 19L1-7

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Matter/Form

Matter: 

1. Sacred Chrism

Form:

1. Laying on of. hands

2. Prayer of Impartation

Minister/Recipient

Minister

1. Bishop - ordinary minister

2. Priest - extraordinary minister

Recipient 

1. Baptized

2. Age of reason - 11

3. Catechized

4. Free from Mortal Sin

5. Free Will

Effects

1. Sanctifying Grace

2. Indelible Mark

3. Full Incorporation into the Mystical Body of Christ/Full Membership in the Church

4. Full Initiation into the Paschal Mystery

5. 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit 

7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit 

1. wisdom
2. understanding
3. knowledge
4. counsel
5. fortitude
6. piety
7. fear of the Lord