Pentecost 17, 2003

Text: Mark 8:27-35

Confessing Christ

LWML Sunday & the Confirmation of Alex Huras

Dearly beloved, fellow saints in God’s kingdom,

Today we were privileged to witness Alex’s confirmation. This is a significant time for him, his family and our congregation. But why is confirmation really such an important event? Alex has learned the catechism and the Bible and has been examined on the basics of the Christian faith. Finally, after two years, he has been welcomed as a communicant member of our congregation. That’s basically what confirmation is about and what we celebrate today.

But how can all this be so significant? There are widely differing opinions among Christians, about the significance and meaning of confirmation. For Roman Catholics, confirmation is a sacrament, where the confirmand somehow receives an extra measure of grace from God. Unfortunately, there is no such promise given to us by God. In fact, the whole rite of confirmation is not even mentioned in the Scriptures.

So why do we Lutherans continue to have confirmation? Lutherans decided to change the Roman Catholic rite of confirmation to bring it into line with the teaching of the Scriptures. It became a rite by which children, following instruction by their parents and examination by the pastor were admitted to the Lord’s Table. The passage in Scripture we Lutherans use to support this view is from 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, where Paul warns:

Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.

We Lutherans take these words very seriously. That is why we have confirmation and why we first instruct our new members so that they know the Christian faith and how to prepare themselves before coming to the Lord’s Table so that they receive the Lord’s Body and Blood to their blessing and not to their judgment.

The reason we rejoice together with Alex in his confirmation has to do with the blessings we receive in the Lord’s Supper. This sacramental food is what will feed his soul for the rest of his life on earth. Through this meal Alex is incorporated into the life and death of Jesus. Thus connected with Jesus Alex will, together with all the saints of God, participate in the resurrection of Jesus. This Holy Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus has the power to sustain his faith unto life everlasting.

Now, I must add that confirmation is not what qualifies Alex to take part in the Lord’s Supper. What truly qualifies him to receive the Lord’s Supper is faith in the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit planted that saving faith in Alex when he was made a member of God’s family in baptism. Clothed with Christ in the waters of Baptism is what qualifies him to eat at the Lord’s Table. (Matthew 22:11) Confirmation, however, is meant to ensure that he receives the Lord’s Supper for his blessing and not in judgment.

There is a common problem that many Lutheran churches have with confirmation. I have heard a humourous illustration that describes this problem. At a pastor’s meeting, a pastor asked, “Our church steeple has a terrible bat infestation. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of them?” One pastor replied, “So does our church. I tried to use poison, but that did not work.” Another said, “I tried to get rid of the bats in our church steeple by scaring them away and firing at them with a shot gun, but that only put holes in the ceiling and the bats were soon back again.” A third pastor said, “Let me tell you what always works for me. I baptized and confirmed them and I have never seen them back again.”

Too often this is what Lutheran churches experience with confirmation. Sometimes we see it as a kind of “graduation” exercise. You have learned all there is to know and now you are off to better things. Well, that is not at all what confirmation is about. It is only one stage in a life-long relationship with Jesus. So Alex, you may be wondering, “What is next?”

To answer this, I would like to turn to our Gospel lesson. There we have an example of Jesus catechizing (teaching) his disciples by asking them questions. First he asks them, “Who do people say I am?” Then he makes it more personal: “Who do you say I am?” Alex, today you have answered that question publicly before this congregation. From now on you will also make that confession to others whenever the opportunity arises. It is very important for you to have a clear answer to this question. As clear as Peter, when he responded: “You are the Christ!”

We need to be clear about who Jesus is, because many today are no longer sure who Jesus is and there are also many false prophets and gods that people worship which are unable to save them. Because God loves all people, He wants them to come to a knowledge of the truth> That is why we gladly share His love with those who do not know Him. Telling others of God’s love is one of the most beautiful things you can do.

That is why it is also appropriate that this day we celebrate LWML Sunday. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League comprises of chapters of women in churches across Canada who are eager to do something to support the sharing of God’s love with those who do not know Jesus. For example, they have supported a number of projects over the years that have reached out to newcomers here in the neighbourhood of our parish. We have felt the blessing of their work as we see newcomers come to faith in Christ.

Confessing Christ is something that is both exciting and challenging. It is exciting because we see lives transformed by the power of God’s love. It is challenging, because not everyone is happy to hear that they need a Saviour from their sins. In our Gospel lesson, immediately after Peter makes his confession of faith (that Jesus is the Christ) Jesus begins to talk about his rejection, suffering and being killed. That is the result of confessing Christ. You cannot confess Christ if you are not willing, as Jesus says, to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow him (Mark 8:34).

Alex, with your confirmation vows you have made that commitment to follow Christ. But as you can see, with confirmation we have just scratched the surface of what the Christian life is all about. As you continue to follow Christ, you will still have to go through the school of suffering and rejection for the sake of Christ’s name. Here Jesus is your teacher and you will not complete this education until you have reached your heavenly home. As you faithfully confess His name, you will certainly experience rejection. But don’t be discouraged. Remember the promise Jesus gives you today: “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35) That is why we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus, for it is the power of God to save those who believe it. And now may the grace of God our Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit keep your hearts and minds at peace in Christ. Amen.