I would like to share with you today some of my thoughts on what I learned about my salvation through my studies in confirmation. I remember my Mom asking me one day what I learned in confirmation. My reply was, "I learned about God." However, after going through my confirmation courses, I now understand that this was not a very good answer. If asked the same question today, I would give this as my answer.

I learned that my salvation came to me over 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross. John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I am saved by God’s grace and all that He asks of me is to believe and to have faith in Him.

I also learned that I am not saved by my good works. Ephesians 2:8 tells me that, "it is by grace [I] have been saved, through faith – and this is not from [myself], it is the gift of God." I now firmly understand that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. Acts 4:12 explains this: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." I confess that I am a sinner, and no matter how hard I try, I will never be perfect. This is why I put my faith in Jesus. Jesus forgives me for every sin I have ever and will ever commit. The Bible tells me, that in order to have salvation, all I have to do is "repent."

With that said, I also understand that just because my sins are forgiven by mere repentance, that I should not just keep sinning for the sake of sinning. Romans 6:1-2 says: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Just because I am forgiven doesn’t give me free reign to sin.

I would like to confess to you today that I am firm in my belief that by the grace of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, I am saved, despite the sins that I commit. Since my baptism, although I can’t remember it, I’ve had guidance in this from my parents, my family, and you, my church family. I know that, although my salvation is secure through the blood of Jesus, that my spiritual maturity is an ongoing process. My confirmation is just the beginning, and I know that there will be many difficult times in my life, but by the blood of Jesus, and the security of the salvation in which that brings, I know that I can overcome anything thrown my way.

I ask that you all continue to pray for me as I begin my journey as an adult in the Christian faith. I would like to thank you for sharing this special day with me. I would also like to thank you for always being there to comfort and guide me through this walk, and pray that you will continue to be here for me as I continue my walk. Remember God gives eternal life to me, you and all believers in Christ; therefore, do not just pray for me, but continue to pray for all believers and unbelievers alike.

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