Of the Sacraments
Section 27.5
The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard to the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.
.The ordinary sacraments of the Old Testament were circumcision and the passover; the former being now superceded by baptism, and the latter by the Lord's supper. The sacraments of the Old Testament represented Christ as to come, while those of the New Testament represent Christ as already come ; and by the latter spiritual blessings are exhibited in a more clear and plain manner than by the former. But in opposition to the Church of Rome, which asserts that the sacraments of the Old Testament were no more than shadows of that grace which those of the New Testament actually confer, we maintain that, in respect of the spiritual blessings signified and e:xhibited, the sacraments of the Old Testament were substantially the same with those of the New. Both were signs and seals of the same righteousness of faith. — Rom. iv. 11. Both agree in the word of promise.— Gen. xvii. 7; Acts ii. 38, 39.
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Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments
The nature and efficacy of the sacraments
Of the Sacraments
Section 27.1
Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ and His benefits; and to confirm our interest in Him; as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church, and the rest of the world; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to His Word.
Of the Sacraments
Section 27.2
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.
Of the Sacraments
Section 27.3
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: but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.
Of the Sacraments
Section 27.4
There are 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.
Of the Sacraments
Section 27.5
The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard to the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.
this Section teach in opposition to this ?
33. What do the Romanists teach are the conditions on the part of the administrator upon which the efficacy of the sacraments depends ?
34. How dees the efficacy of the sacrament depend upon its divine appointment ?
35. How does it depend upon the sovereign will and power of the Holy Ghost?
36. What was taught in the early Church as to the number of the sacraments?
37. When was the number seven authoritatively established?
38. What are the seven sacraments acknowledged by the Romanists ?
39. How can it be proved that baptism and the Lord's Supper form a class by themselves?
40. Show that the definition of a sacrament will not apply to the rest.
41. Why can the sacraments be administered only by a lawfullyordained minister ?
42. What were the sacramental seals of the covenant of grace under the old dispensation ?
43. Which corresponds to baptism and which to the Lord's Supper?
44. In what respects do they differ ? And show that they are virtually the same.