In the biblical context, "Signs of Confirmation" refer to the various ways God affirms His will, promises, or the authenticity of His messengers and their messages. These signs serve as divine endorsements, providing assurance to believers and often guiding them in their faith journey.

Old Testament Examples

1. Gideon's Fleece (Judges 6:36-40): One of the most well-known signs of confirmation in the Old Testament is the account of Gideon. When God called Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites, Gideon sought confirmation of God's promise. He placed a fleece on the threshing floor and asked God to make the fleece wet with dew while keeping the ground dry. God granted this sign, and when Gideon asked for the reverse, God confirmed His will by making the fleece dry and the ground wet. This dual sign reassured Gideon of God's presence and promise.

2. Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-12): When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He provided several signs to confirm His commission. The burning bush that was not consumed by fire was the initial sign. God further confirmed His message by turning Moses' staff into a serpent and then back into a staff, and by making Moses' hand leprous and then healing it. These signs were given to assure Moses of God's power and presence.

3. Hezekiah's Sundial (2 Kings 20:8-11): King Hezekiah sought confirmation of his healing and the extension of his life. God provided a miraculous sign by causing the shadow on the sundial to move backward ten steps. This sign confirmed God's promise to Hezekiah and served as a testament to His sovereignty over time and nature.

New Testament Examples

1. The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17): At Jesus' baptism, God confirmed His identity and mission through a visible and audible sign. The heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This event confirmed Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

2. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4): The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost served as a sign of confirmation for the apostles and the early church. The sound of a rushing wind, tongues of fire, and the ability to speak in various languages confirmed the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit and empowered the apostles for their mission.

3. Paul's Apostleship (Acts 9:3-18): The conversion of Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus was marked by a dramatic sign. A light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus. This event confirmed Paul's calling as an apostle to the Gentiles. Ananias' subsequent vision and the restoration of Paul's sight further confirmed his divine commission.

Theological Significance

Signs of confirmation in the Bible serve multiple purposes. They authenticate God's messengers, validate His promises, and provide assurance to His people. These signs often accompany pivotal moments in salvation history, underscoring God's active involvement in the world. They remind believers of God's faithfulness and His ability to intervene in miraculous ways to accomplish His purposes.

Faith and Discernment

While signs of confirmation are significant, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of faith and discernment. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer and the study of Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit for understanding. Signs should not replace faith but rather strengthen it, pointing believers back to the truth of God's Word and His character. As Jesus stated, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).