Confirmation: Vows of Faith and Doctrine
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:28-29)
You are warmly welcome! Listen carefully to these important questions: What did your Godfathers and Godmothers do for you at your Baptism? As a Christian, what do you believe?
When in 1915 German physicist Albert Einstein found out that the universe was strangely either expanding or contracting according to his extensive calculations, he introduced a constant in his equation to ensure the widely held “static eternal universe” model is maintained. About ten years later, Edwin Hubble observed that distant “galaxies were moving away from us, and that the farther away they were, the faster they were moving away. It appeared as though the universe was expanding”. Einstein visited Hubble to see for himself, and confirmed it; then Einstein called the earlier change to his equation the “biggest blunder” of his life! What he saw forced him to erase the mathematical addition to his equation and concede that in fact the universe was expanding.
Scientific models may be revised and updated as newer findings come up, but our faith remains firmly anchored on the solid rock without need for shifting even as generations come and go. Sing with confidence: “Christ is my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand; He’s faithful through generations;” And “Stand up, stand up for Jesus! You soldiers of the cross.”
Let’s now answer our two questions: At Baptism, “they made three promises on my behalf. First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomp and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. (James 4:7); secondly, that I should believe all the articles of the Christian Faith (Romans 10:9); and thirdly, that I should keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life (John 14:21)”. As to what we believe, the Apostle’s Creed has a good doctrinal summary to start from. With these and many teachings, we are preparing those who are to be confirmed by the Bishop, and it is a good opportunity for all of us to call to mind and recommit ourselves to the vows we made. We are reminded in today’s Scripture: “This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger] (John 6:29 AMP).
God called, you answered; keep at that good work. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). This world is sick and dying because of those who have run away from this call. Do not be among them; instead, live as God has called you to reflect His glory and character to those around you. God bless you all.