The Sacraments

Q59. But what does it help you now that you believe all this?

In Christ I am righteous before God and heir to life everlasting.

Q60. How are you righteous before God?

Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's …

Q61. Why do you say that you are righteous only by faith?

Not that I am acceptable to God on account of the worthiness of my faith, for only the satisfaction, righteousness, …

Q62. But why can our good works not be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of it?

Because the righteousness which can stand before God's judgment must be absolutely perfect and in complete agreement with the law …

Q63. But do our good works earn nothing, even though God promises to reward them in this life and the next?

This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.

Q64. Does this teaching not make people careless and wicked?

No. It is impossible that those grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.

Q65. Since then faith alone makes us share in Christ and all His benefits, where does this faith come from?

From the Holy Spirit, who works it in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and strengthens it by …

Q66. What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by their use He might …

Q67. 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?

Yes, indeed. The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and assures us by the sacraments that our entire salvation …

Q68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant?

Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.

Q69. How does holy baptism signify and seal to you that the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross benefits you?

In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes …

Q70. What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?

To be washed with Christ's blood means to receive forgiveness of sins from God, through grace, because of Christ's blood, …

Q71. Where has Christ promised that He will wash us with His blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

In the institution of baptism, where He says: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the …

Q72. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?

No, only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.

Q73. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?

God speaks in this way for a good reason. He wants to teach us that the blood and Spirit of …

Q74. Should infants, too, be baptized?

Yes. Infants as well as adults belong to God's covenant and congregation. Through Christ's blood the redemption from sin and …

Q75. How does the Lord's Supper signify and seal to you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all His gifts?

In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread and drink of this …

Q76. What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink His shed blood?

First, to accept with a believing heart all the suffering and the death of Christ, and so receive forgiveness of …

Q77. Where has Christ promised that He will nourish and refresh believers with His body and blood as surely as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup?

In the institution of the Lord's supper: The Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and …

Q78. Are then the bread and wine changed into the real body and blood of Christ?

No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ and is not the washing …

Q79. Why then does Christ call the bread His body and the cup His blood, or the new covenant in His blood, and why does Paul speak of a participation in the body and blood of Christ?

Christ speaks in this way for a good reason: He wants to teach us by His supper that as bread …

Q80. What difference is there between the Lord's supper and the papal mass?

The Lord's supper testifies to us, first, that we have complete forgiveness of all our sins through the one sacrifice …

Q81. Who are to come to the table of the Lord?

Those who are truly displeased with themselves because of their sins and yet trust that these are forgiven them and …

Q82. Are those also to be admitted to the Lord's supper who by their confession and life show that they are unbelieving and ungodly?

No, for then the covenant of God would be profaned and His wrath kindled against the whole congregation. Therefore, according …