Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview: God's confirmation refers to the divine assurance or validation of His promises, actions, or the calling of individuals. It is the process by which God affirms His will and purposes, often providing believers with certainty and confidence in their faith journey. This confirmation can manifest through various means, including Scripture, the Holy Spirit, circumstances, and the counsel of other believers.
Biblical Instances of God's Confirmation:1.
Scriptural Confirmation: The Bible itself serves as a primary source of God's confirmation. In
2 Timothy 3:16-17 , it is written, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." Scripture confirms God's character, promises, and instructions for righteous living.
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The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in confirming God's will to believers. In
John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Spirit provides inner assurance and guidance, confirming God's truth in the hearts of believers.
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Gideon's Confirmation: An example of God's confirmation through signs is found in the account of Gideon. In
Judges 6:36-40 , Gideon seeks confirmation of God's promise to save Israel through him. He asks for a sign involving a fleece, and God graciously provides the confirmation Gideon seeks, first with dew on the fleece and dry ground, and then the reverse.
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The Confirmation of Jesus' Identity: God's confirmation of Jesus as the Messiah is evident throughout the New Testament. At Jesus' baptism, God audibly confirms His Sonship: "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'" (
Matthew 3:17). This divine affirmation is a pivotal moment, confirming Jesus' identity and mission.
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The Apostolic Confirmation: The early church experienced God's confirmation through signs and wonders. In
Acts 14:3 , it is recorded, "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders." These miraculous acts served as divine confirmation of the apostles' message and authority.
Means of God's Confirmation Today:1.
Prayer and Peace: Believers often seek God's confirmation through prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The peace that follows prayer can serve as confirmation of God's guidance.
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Counsel of the Faithful: God often uses the counsel of mature believers to confirm His will.
Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance." Wise and godly counsel can provide clarity and confirmation in decision-making.
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Circumstantial Evidence: God may also confirm His will through circumstances.
Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." The alignment of circumstances can be a sign of God's confirmation in a believer's life.
Conclusion: God's confirmation is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, providing believers with assurance and clarity in their walk with Him. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the counsel of others, God continues to affirm His will and purposes, guiding His people in truth and righteousness.