The Sacraments

Christ ordained two sacraments: baptism and holy communion. They respectively succeed the two sacraments found in the Old Testament, being circumcision and the Passover.

The same Word of God that addresses us verbally through Scripture, preaching and personal witness, comes to us visibly and tangibly through the sacraments. The sacraments are not just symbols of the Word or visual aids to it, but visible, material forms of the Word itself that apply, confirm and seal the promises of the gospel to each individual believer. To all who receive these promises with open hearts, Christ comes with saving grace in the power of his Spirit.

As the Holy Spirit awakens faith by means of preaching, teaching and the personal witness of believers to Christ, so by means of the sacraments the same Spirit confirms our faith, binds us to Christ and through the faith that grows from the work of the Word through preaching and the sacraments in our lives, Christ establishes our salvation.

Jesus Christ alone saves. Just as no printed or spoken human words themselves can save, so no water, bread, wine or outward ritual can save us. Yet Christ chooses to come to us wrapped in human words and in the elements of water, bread and wine. As the very Word of God, Christ is the essential content of the sacraments, just as he is of Scripture, preaching and personal witness.

The spoken Word, experienced in the reading and preaching of the Word, in singing, worship, praise and prayer, constitutes our relationship with Christ. In the same way the sacraments make our faith relationship with Jesus stronger and more relevant to our lives, by making clear the message of God’s offer of grace. Only by trusting in God’s promise and assurance, signified by the sacraments, do we receive this saving grace that they promise and confirm to us.

Jesus chose to enter into this faith relationship with us through the faith that grows when we hear and believe his Word. Jesus therefore commanded us to celebrate his Supper, because he longs for an ever growing and more intimate relationship with us. May we be found faithful in answering his call