A pastor reflects on his confirmation and the lifelong promise made years ago.

I was confirmed on May 26, 1963. There were six in my class, but I had an advantage over the other five. From kindergarten through seventh grade, I had attended a Lutheran elementary school where Bible lessons and memorization were an everyday part of life.

Then my family moved, and I attended public school for my final catechism year. Because of my Lutheran school background, I already had most of the Bible verses and catechism parts memorized. I was even asked to help others with their memory work.

Finally came confirmation day. Robes. Flowers. The excitement and nervousness of an examination and standing in front of the congregation. My baptism sponsors, grandparents, and my whole family were there. The examination didn’t seem hard, even though I think I was asked to answer more than my share of the questions.

Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).

The part that made me the most fearful was this question: “Do you intend to continue faithful in your confession of the true God, and to suffer all, even death, rather than turn away from him?” The thought of suffering or even dying for my Lord was petrifying, yet with the other five I answered boldly, “I do so intend with the help of God.” I doubt that I understood what a big promise I was making, but I knew it was a serious matter.

Now, 62 years later, on another Sunday in May, I will witness one of my grandsons standing before the altar in front of his family, friends, and congregation. Perhaps he will feel the same nervous excitement I felt. Perhaps he will ponder the same question that I still think about: “Do you intend to continue faithful in your confession of the true God, and to suffer all, even death, rather than turn away from him?” And when he says, “I do so intend with the help of God,” I will pray for him: “Lord, keep him faithful to you. Keep him in the true Christian faith until you take him to heaven. And, please, Lord, keep me also in the true faith. Grant us this grace that through the Scriptures and the Lord’s Supper we will be kept faithful unto death.”

Author: Robert Balza, Sr.
Volume 112, Number 05
Issue: May 2025