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