I. The Sacraments

Question 1

What is a sacrament and what are the two parts of a sacrament? 


Answer 1

WSC: A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ–wherein by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Two parts are: Sign and seal.There are two Sacraments–baptism and the Lord’s supper.

Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,

1 Cor. 10:16-17 (ESV) The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Question 2

What is the difference between the Reformed and Roman Catholic views of the 
sacraments being a “means of grace”?

Answer 2

The means of grace are those means that the HS works through to save and sanctify.

In the Reformed view, the sacraments are means of grace in that they make us remind, reinforce, and refresh us in our faith in Christ. They do not add to the atoning work of Jesus but help us to move towards greater Christ-likeness in responding to the grace already offered.

Romans Catholics believe that the sacraments are a means of grace in and of themselves–infusing grace into those who partake of them–without the need for faith (Ex Opere Operato). The sacraments are the means of actual saving grace.

Question 3

What are the Old Testament precursors of the Lord’s Supper and baptism?

Answer 3

Passover and the Lord’s Supper.

1 Corinthians 11

24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Circumcision and baptism.

Col 2:11-12 In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands…having been buried with him in baptism.

Question 4

How do the two sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper agree; how do 
they differ? 


Answer 4

BOTH

1. Both are signs and seals of cov of grace
2. Both immediately instituted by God
3. Both signs that represent Christ and his benefits
4. Both are seals that confirm our interest in God
5. Both visibly mark those inside and outside the church
6. Both have individual w/ communal aspects

DIFFER

1. Baptism once vs. LS repeatedly
2. Baptism to believers and children vs. LS only to believers
3. Baptism is inception of union with God vs. LS is maintenance of union with God
4. Baptism is received passively vs. LS received actively

Question 5

Distinguish between a sign and a seal. 


Answer 5

Sign:

1. makes something else known.
2. declaration and a visible attestation of God’s favor.
3. points to Jesus and the benefits of the covenant of grace (for his sake).

Seal:

1. authenticates that to which it is affixed or appended.
2. a confirmation of God’s love & of what was declared in the sign.
3. Assures us, confirms our interest in God (for our sake).

Question 6

In what way do the sacraments relate to the visible church? The invisible 
church?

Answer 6

The sacraments act as a mark, showing who is part of the visible church. However, participation in the sacraments does not de facto make you part of the invisible church.

Question 7

What does the Westminster Standard say that the sacraments are?

Answer 7

They are a sign and seal of the covanant of grace which…

1. Represent Christ,
2. Confirm receivers of Christ,
3. To distinguish these receivers from non-receivers,
4. Engage receivers in the service of Christ.