WC on Sacrement Flashcards
27.1
Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, (1) to represent Christ and his benefits, and (2) to confirm our interest in him: (3) as also to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church, and the rest of the world; and (4) solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word.
27.2
II. There is in every sacrament a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified; from which it comes to pass that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other.
27.3
III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither does the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it, but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.
27.4
IV. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospels, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord: neither or which may be dispensed by any but a minister of the Word, lawfully ordained.
27.5
V. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.
- What are the ordinary, external ways Christ uses to bring us the benefits of redemption?
The ordinary, external ways Christ uses to bring us the benefits of redemption are His regulations, particularly the word, sacraments, and prayer, all of which are made effective for the salvation of His chosen ones.
- How do the sacraments become effective means of salvation?
The sacraments become effective means of salvation, not because of any special power in them or in the people who administer them, but rather by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in those who receive them by faith.
- What is the right way to receive the Lord’s Supper?
The right way to receive the Lord’s Supper is to examine whether we discern the Lord’s body, whether our faith feeds on Him, and whether we have repentance, love, and a new obedience - so that we may not come in the wrong way and eat and drink judgement on ourselves.
How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue derived from the piety or intention of the one who administered the sacraments, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit …which is to be received by faith.
Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Q. 92. What is a sacrament?
A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in His chhurch, by which Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believer by physical signs.
It is institute by Christ
(D) to Distinguish them from those that are without.
(O) to Oblige them to obedience.
(S) to Strength and increase faith.
(T) to Testify and cherish their love and communion with one another.
Q. 94. What is baptism?
A. Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, which is a washing with water in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
It is not only for the admission of the one baptized into the visible Church, but it is alo sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of [one’s] engrafting into Christ, of regeneration by his Spirit, remission of sins by his blood, of adoption, and of resurrection unto everlating life (28.1).
Q. 95. Who should be baptized?
A. Those who are not members of churches should not be baptized until they have publicly stated that they believe in Christ and will obey him, but the infants of members of the visible church are to be baptized.
Q. 96. What is the Lord’s Supper?
A. The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament in which bread and wine are given and received as Christ directed to proclaim his death. Those who receive the Lord’s supper in the right way, “are made partakers of his body and blood” , not physically but by faith. They feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and grow in grace.
Confirms their union and communion with Christ;
Testify and renew their thankfulness and engagement to God, and their mutual love and fellowship with one another, as members of the same body.
