ConFIRMation or ConFORMation?

2 Timothy 3:14,15

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

A mock report card was left on the whiteboard at church. Students anticipating their new year in 7th grade at Calvary Lutheran School put it there. How do I know they were 7th graders from Calvary? Well, one of their moms told me. And they left their name. But also because among the typical subjects like English, math, and writing, they also included “Conformation.” A funny little misspelling.

Is it conFIRMation or conFORMation? In a sense, it’s conformation. Conforming beliefs to what Scripture teaches. Seeing the world and life in the world through the lens of Christ.

However, “Conformation Class” might be a little derogatory. If you search “Conformation Class” on Google, you’ll get all kinds of results for training dogs. Conformation classes teach trainers and dogs how to show the dog measures up to the standards of its breed.

Conform is kind of a dirty word. Most often, people take it to mean falling in line with beliefs pushed on them by the outside. It means not standing out. You might expect a skeptic to intentionally call it Conformation Class, believing that it’s brainwashing or indoctrination.

Even before conformity became filthy, the classes were already called confirmation classes. That’s not a name the Bible gives them. That’s the name English-speaking Christians have given them. So, why are they called “Confirmation Classes”?

Another name for Confirmation is Affirmation, that is, the Affirmation of Baptism. In newer Baptismal liturgies, we don’t see this as often. But in older ones, the parents were first asked, “Do you wish for this child to be baptized?” Then, they were asked on behalf of the child, “Do you reject the devil with all his lies and empty promises?” Though Baptism does indeed grant faith in Christ according to God’s promises, the child does not get to answer those questions himself or herself.

At Confirmation, the confirmand is asked, “Do you this day, in the presence of God and of this congregation, acknowledge that in Baptism, God gave you forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation?” They are asked again, “Do you reject the devil with all his lies and empty promises?” “Do you believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?”

Confirmation Day marks the end of childhood study. God reaffirms his promises, just as he does every day. The confirmands reaffirm the promises made on their behalf. They vow to be faithful to God and to Christ even to the point of death, knowing that Jesus has saved them from death.

I suppose you could say, though, that ConFIRMation Day does not mark the end of conFORMation. Studying God’s Word is a lifelong task. It begins in infancy, learning the Scriptures from parents, pastors, and teachers, and continues the whole life through because they are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Soon, we’ll begin another year of Confirmation classes. Keep our students in your prayers that they may grow in the faith which brings forgiveness, life, and salvation from Jesus.