Whether you are just about to be confirmed, or whether for you, it was some years ago, the things we say at conformation are ever important... but when was the last time you thought about what those words actually mean?
What follows is part of the conformation service (in black) and some questions to consider (in orange)...
The bishop asks the candidates
Have you been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?
I have.
Are you ready with your own mouth and from your own heart to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ?
I am.
It can be easy to go to church, Bible study or prayer group, but to say in ourselves, yes I personally am for Jesus, is sometimes a bigger thing. What does it mean to put YOUR faith in him?
People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
THE DECISION
A large candle may be lit. The bishop addresses all the candidates
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
How would you explain “dying to sin” to someone else?
Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you think “rebellion against God” and “the deceit and corruption of evil” have anything to do with you? What does it mean to reject them?
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
What does repent mean?
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
How do we turn to Christ?
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
What does it mean in real life to submit to Christ?
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.
What does it mean to come to Christ and what does Jesus being the way the truth and the life mean to you?
We say what comes below week in week out in church. Are there any bits you don’t understand? Could you explain what’s being said to someone else?
PROFESSION OF FAITH
The bishop addresses the congregation
Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess
together with these candidates
the faith of the Church.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Do you have any more questions? post a comment...
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