Sacraments: An In-Depth Examination and Explanation-Part 2

Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 26

The Sacraments

Q & A 65
Q. It is by faith alone

that we share in Christ and all his
blessings: where then does that faith
come from?
A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our
hearts^1 by the preaching of the holy
gospel,^2
 and confirms it
 through our
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 holy signs and seals for us to see.
 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 might put his seal on that promise.^1 And
this is God's gospel promise:
 to forgive our sins and give us eternal life
 by grace alone
 because of Christ's one sacrifice
 finished 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. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us
 and through the holy sacraments he assures us 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: baptism and the Lord's Supper.^1

^1 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23