Heidelberg 65-68 Sacraments

^{19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19)} 

²⁵In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:25-26)

Thoughts: There were two sacred acts that Jesus commanded everyone to do- be baptized and to celebrate the Lord's Supper.  Some traditions add confirmation, ordination, marriage, penance, anointing of the sick, but these were not commanded for everyone to take part in.  The catechism confirms that faith is given by the Holy Spirit but the two sacraments (baptism and communion) confirm our faith- for they are where the invisible intersects the visible (visible signs of God's invisible grace).  Today we take these sacraments for granted.  The sacraments cannot be done by ourselves or virtually.  They are meant for the fellowship of worship- and are incentives to gather the people of God together.  

Prayer:  Thank you for living testimonies of your love and truth.  In a world that focuses on ourselves and our little time, thank you that you live.  

 

Q & A 65

Q. It is through faith alone that we share in Christ and all his benefits: where then does that faith come from?

A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts1 by the preaching of the holy gospel,2 and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.3

1 John 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; Eph. 2:8
2 Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25
3 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:16

Q & A 66

Q. What are sacraments?

A. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise.1 And this is God’s gospel promise: to grant us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ’s one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.2 

1 Gen. 17:11; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 4:11

2 Matt. 26:27-28; Acts 2:38; Heb. 10:10

Q & A 67

Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Yes! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and by the holy sacraments confirms that our entire salvation rests on Christ’s one sacrifice for us on the cross.1

1 Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 3:27

Q & A 68

Q. How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?

A. Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.1

1 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26

7/1/14- Who May Partake in the Sacrament

We hold that baptism applies as much to the children of the faithful as to those who are of age and discretion, and so we condemn the error of the Anabaptists, who deny that children should be baptized before they have faith and understanding. But we hold that the Supper of the Lord is only for those who are of the household of faith and can try and examine themselves both in their faith and their duty to their neighbors. Those who eat and drink at that holy table without faith, or without peace and goodwill to their brethren, eat unworthily. This is the reason why ministers in our Kirk make public and individual examination of those who are to be admitted to the table of the Lord Jesus. (Scots Confession 23)

27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 

The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off to all whom the Lord your God will call.  (Acts 2:39)

Let the little children come to me and forbid them not. (Lk. 18:16)  For whoever welcomes a little child welcomes me...(Matthew 18:5)

Thoughts: Children are welcome.  In the Old Testament this was shown in circumcision- that they were a part of the household of faith- and that God;'s grace rested on children even before they could respond.  In the New Testament Jesus reminded his disciples who would only welcome adults that children should be welcomed to him as well.  Baptism is for men and women, and it is for children of the faithful as well as adults.  Baptism is the great equalizer between the poor and the rich, slave and free.  It is the great equalizer in age as well- for the grace of God that claims us is not simply up to us- but it is a calling of God.  
    Communion is a sustaining of those who have been initiated in baptism.  It is not for those who do not believe or are not able to understand/discern the Lord's body and blood (1 Cor. 11:29).
Baptism is an initiation, communion is a sustaining rite.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your grace calls us and sustains us.  Thank you that when we did not understand fully, you understood and poured your grace on us.