Definition
- In secular world: Something that binds or brings under obligations
- In the Bible: An ordinance instituted by God representing the work of Christ
1. In Protestant Churches only two
- Baptism
- Communion
2. God instituted sacraments
- to accompany the Word
- they have no meaning apart from the message of Jesus Christ
- visible “pictures” of Christ’s grace
- help us in our faith by giving us visible signs
3. Sacraments are
- Signs and seals of God’s grace in Christ
3.1 As seals they are the visible confirmation of the Covenant of Grace
- God authoritatively pledges Himself to invest grace in us
- we pledge to believe and obey
3.2 As signs of the Covenant of Grace
- established with Abraham
- Genesis 12:1-3; 17:6-7; Romans 4:11;
- fulfilled in Christ
4.1 The signs in the Old Testament
- circumcision
- blood of the Passover lamb
- signs accompanied with blood
- vivid illustration of covenant disobedience
- pointed forward to Christ, the obedient one
4.2 The signs of the New Testament
- no more blood
- Christ paid for covenant disobedience
- water of baptism
- wine and bread of Communion (New Covenant)
5. Two elements in each sacrament
- Visible sign
- water; bread and wine
- Inward spiritual grace signified by it
- Christ crucified
- union with Christ, the indwelling of the Spirit (regeneration, justification, sanctification)
6. Relationship between the sign and what it signifies
- it is not the means of grace
- Baptism and Communion does not save
- the water is not the literal blood of Christ
- the bread is not the literal body of Christ
- the elements represents what Christ has done to save
- As water cleanses when I wash
- So the blood of Christ cleanse from sin
- As bread nourishes
- So the body of Christ nourishes my soul
- As the blood of the lambs saved
- So the blood of Christ saves
7. Because the sacraments were instituted by God
- they convey true grace
- Baptism: in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- Communion:
- “This is my body/blood –drink/eat it – signs of the New Covenant
- we are under obligation to use it
8. Only meant for those who believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ
- It is not for unbelievers
- believe the Word about God’s grace in Christ, then use sacraments
- Covenant renewal
- meaningful when accompanied by faith
- It marks God’s people as different from unbelievers
- blessing for believers becomes condemnation for unbelievers
Sermon preached by Rev D Rudi Schwartz on Sunday 27 October 2013
Naracoorte Presbyterian Church 