Of the Sacraments

Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace,^a immediately instituted by God,^b to represent Christ and his benefits, and to confirm our interest in him;^c as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the church and the rest of the world;^d and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his word.^e

Scripture proofs

a

Rom. 4:11. Gen. 17:7,10.

b

Matt. 28:19. 1 Cor. 11:23.

c

1 Cor. 10:16. 1 Cor. 11:25,26. Gal. 3:17.

d

Rom. 15:8. Exod. 12:48. Gen. 34:14.

e

Rom. 6:3,4. 1 Cor. 10:16,21.

§ WCF 27.1

There is in every sacrament a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified; whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other.^f

Scripture proofs

f

Gen. 17:10. Matt. 26:27,28. Tit. 3:5.

§ WCF 27.2

The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it,^g but upon the work of the Spirit,^h and the word of institution; which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.ⁱ

Scripture proofs

g

Rom. 2:28,29. 1 Pet. 3:21.

h

Matt. 3:11. 1 Cor. 12:13.

i

Matt. 26:27,28. Matt. 28:19,20.

§ WCF 27.3

There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord; neither of which may be dispensed by any but by a minister of the word, lawfully ordained.^k

Scripture proofs

k

Matt. 28:19. 1 Cor. 11:20,23. 1 Cor. 4:1. Heb. 5:4.

§ WCF 27.4

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.^l

Scripture proofs

l

1 Cor. 10:1-4.

§ WCF 27.5