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Q92. What is a sacrament?

A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

See also in WCF: 27.1, 27.2, 27.3 See also in WLC: Q149, Q162 Compare: The Sacraments and Means of Grace
Gen. 17:7,10
[7] And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. [10] This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised.
Ex. 12
[1] The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, [2] “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. [3] Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household. [4] And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. [5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, [6] and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. [7] “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. [8] They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. [9] Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. [10] And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. [11] In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover. [12] For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. [13] The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. [14] “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. [15] Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. [16] On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. [17] And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever. [18] In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. [19] For seven days no leaven is to be found in your houses. If anyone eats what is leavened, that person will be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a sojourner or a native of the land. [20] You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread.” [21] Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. [22] Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. [23] For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. [24] You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. [25] And when you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. [26] And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ [27] you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped. [28] Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. [29] At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. [30] And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. [31] Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. [32] Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!” [33] The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” [34] So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls being bound up in their cloaks on their shoulders. [35] The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. [36] And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians. [37] And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. [38] A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds. [39] And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves. [40] The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. [41] At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. [42] It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations. [43] And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat of it, [44] but every slave that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him. [45] No foreigner or hired worker may eat of it. [46] It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones. [47] All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. [48] If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. [49] There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.” [50] All the people of Israel did just as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. [51] And on that very day the LORD brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.
1 Cor. 11:23,26
[23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Q1. From whence is the word sacrament derived?

A. It is of Latin origin, being anciently used, by the Romans, to signify their military oath; or that oath which their soldiers took to be true and faithful to their prince, and that they would not desert his standard.

Q2. How is it used by the church?

A. Not only to signify something that is sacred, but likewise a solemn engagement to be the Lord's.

Q3. What is the general nature of a sacrament?

A. It is a holy ordinance, instituted by Christ.

Q4. Why is a sacrament called a holy ordinance?

A. Because it is appointed not only for holy ends and uses, but likewise for persons federally holy.

Q5. Is it necessary that a sacrament be instituted by Christ?

A. Yes; it is essentially necessary that it have his express and immediate warrant and institution, otherwise it does not deserve the name, 1 Cor. 11:23 - "For I have RECEIVED of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you," &C.

Q6. Why must sacraments be expressly or immediately instituted by Christ?

A. Because he alone is the head of the church; and has the sole power and authority to institute sacraments and other ordinances in it, Eph. 1:22, 23.

Q7. "What are the parts of a sacrament?"

A. "Two; the one, an outward and sensible sign, used according to Christ's own appointment; the other, an inward and spiritual grace, thereby signified, Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21."130

Q8. What are the outward signs in sacraments?

A. They are the sacramental elements, and the sacramental actions; but chiefly the elements, because it is about these that the sacramental actions are exercised.

Q9. Why called sensible signs?

A. Because they are obvious to the outward senses of seeing, tasting, feeling, &c.

Q10. What kind of signs are sensible signs in a sacrament?

A. They are not natural, nor merely speculative; but voluntary and practical signs.

Q11. Why are they not natural signs?

A. Because natural signs always signify the self-same thing, as smoke is always a sign of fire, and the morning light a sign of the approaching sun; whereas the signs in a sacrament never signify what they represent in that holy ordinance, but when sacramentally used.

Q12. Why are they practical, and not merely speculative signs?

A. Because they are designed not only to represent the spiritual grace signified by them; but likewise to seal and apply the same.

Q13. Why are the signs in a sacrament called voluntary signs?

A. Because they depend entirely upon the divine institution to make them signs; yet so as there is some analogy or resemblance between the sign and the thing signified.

Q14. When are sacramental signs used according to Christ's own appointment?

A. When they are dispensed with the words of institution annexed to them, Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25.

Q15. What do the words of institution imply or contain in them?

A. They contain, "together with a precept authorising the use" of them, "a promise of benefit to the worthy receivers, Matt. 28:20."131

Q16. What is the inward and spiritual grace signified by the sensible signs in a sacrament?

A. Christ and the benefits of the new covenant.

Q17. Why is the covenant of grace called the new covenant?

A. Because it is always to remain in its prime and vigour, without the least change or alteration; for "that which decayeth and waxeth old, is ready to vanish away," Heb. 8:13.

Q18. What are the benefits of the new covenant?

A. They are all the blessings contained in the promises of it, which may be summed up in grace here, and glory hereafter, Psalm 84:11.

Q19. Are Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, separable from one another?

A. No; for, "he that hath the Son, hath life," 1 John 5:12; whoever has Christ, has all things along with him; "all are yours, and ye are Christ's," 1 Cor. 3:22, 23.

Q20. What is the intention and design of sensible signs in a sacrament, with reference to Christ and the benefits of the new covenant?

A. The design of them is, that Christ and his benefits may be represented, sealed, and applied by them.

Q21. Why are Christ and his benefits said to be represented by the signs in a sacrament?

A. Because as sacramental signs are of divine institution, so there is a resemblance or similitude between the signs and the things signified.

Q22. Why are Christ and his benefits said to be sealed by these signs?

A. Because, by the sacramental signs, Christ and his benefits are confirmed to the believer, even as a seal is a confirmation of a bond or deed, Rom. 4:11.

Q23. Why said to be applied?

A. Because, by the right and lawful use of the sacramental signs, Christ and his benefits are really communicated, conveyed, and made over to the worthy receiver, 1 Cor. 11:24 - "Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you."

Q24. To whom do the sacramental signs represent, seal, and apply Christ and his benefits?

A. Not to all who use them, but to believers only.

Q25. Why to believers only?

A. Because nothing but true faith can discern, and apply the spiritual grace, which is represented and exhibited by sensible signs in the sacrament, Gal. 3:26, 27.

Q26. In what consists the FORM of a sacrament?

A. In "a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified."132

Q27. What is the consequence of this sacramental union between the sign and the thing signified?

A. The consequence is, "that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other."133 Thus Christ is called our passover, 1 Cor. 5:7; and the bread in the supper is called Christ's body - "This is my body," 1 Cor. 11:24.

Q28. When are the signs and the things signified, united in those who partake of the sacraments?

A. When, together with the signs, (in virtue of Christ's institution) the blessings signified are received by faith, Gal. 3:27.

Q29. How may this be illustrated by an example?

A. A little earth and stone put into a man's hand at random, signify nothing; but when this is done in a regular manner, according to the forms of law, to give a proprietor possession of his lands, from whence these symbols were taken, it is of great importance to corroborate his right: so bread and wine in the sacrament, are of little value in themselves abstractly considered; yet when received in faith, as the instituted memorials of the death of Christ, by which his testament was ratified and sealed, the believer's right to all the blessings of his purchase is by it most comfortably confirmed, 1 Cor. 11:24 - "This is my body, which is broken FOR YOU."

Q30. Are the sacraments necessary for the confirmation of the word?

A. No; the word being of divine and infallible authority, needs no confirmation without itself: but they are necessary on OUR account, for helping our infirmity, and confirming and strengthening our faith, Rom. 4:11.

Q31. What is the difference between the word and the sacraments?

A. The word may be profitable to the adult, without the sacraments; but the sacraments cannot profit them without the word, Gal. 5:6.

Q32. What is the END of the sacraments?

A. It is "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."134

Q33. Who are they that have a right to the sacraments?

A. They "that are within the covenant of grace, Rom 15:8."135

Q34. Who are to be reckoned within the covenant of grace, in the sight of men?

A. They who "profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him, Acts 2:38;" and "infants descending from parents, either both or but one of them professing faith in Christ, and obedience to him, are, in that respect, within the covenant, Rom. 11:16."136

Q35. What may we learn from the nature of the sacraments in general?

A. The amazing love of the Lord Jesus, in giving us not only the word as the instrument in the hand of the Spirit, for besetting faith, and all other graces, Eph 1:13; but likewise the sacraments for strengthening and increasing the same, as well as for cherishing our love and communion with one another, 1 Cor. 12:13.

Q1. How many sorts of sacraments are found in scripture?

A. Of sacraments there are two sorts, some extraordinary and transient, as the fiery pillar, manna, and water out of the rock; 1 Corinthians 10:1, 2, 3, 4. Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud, and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink; (for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them: and that rock was Christ.) And some ordinary and standing, as circumcision and the Passover, before Christ; and baptism and the Lord's supper, since Christ's death.

Q2. How many things are to be considered in every sacrament?

A. In every sacrament five things must be considered; (1.) The author. (2.) The parts. (3.) The union of those parts. (4.) The subjects. (5.) The ends and uses of it.

Q3. Who is the author of the sacraments?

A. The Lord Jesus Christ as King of the church, by whose sole authority baptism was instituted; Matthew 28:19, 20. Go you therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things, whatever I have commanded you, etc. And the Lord's supper; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you: This do in remembrance of me.

Q4. Are the old sacraments yet in being and in use in the church?

A. No, they are passed away, and the new come in their room. Baptism takes place of circumcision; Colossians 2:11, 12. In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; buried with him in baptism, etc. And the Lord's supper of the Passover; 1 Corinthians 5:7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened, for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Q5. Of what parts does every sacrament consist?

A. Every sacrament consists of two parts, one external and earthly; another internal and heavenly, or spiritual. Bread, wine, and water, are the external, Christ's blood and Spirit the internal parts; Romans 6:3. Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? 1 Corinthians 11:25. This cup is the New Testament in my blood, etc.

Q6. Wherein consists the sacramental union of those parts?

A. It consists, by virtue of Christ's institution, in three things; (1.) In apt signification. (2.) Firm obsignation. And, (3.) Real exhibition of the blessings signified and sealed.

Q7. What are the blessings signified by water in baptism?

A. It signifies our implantation into Christ, and communion with him in his death and resurrection; Romans 6:4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of life. And our solemn admission into the visible church; Galatians 3:26, 27, 28, 29. For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ's then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Q8. What are the blessings signified by bread and wine?

A. They signify Christ's body and blood, broken and poured out for us, with all the blessings of remission, peace, and salvation purchased by his blood, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many, are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Q9. Do the sacraments seal, as well as signify these things?

A. Yes, they do; Romans 4:11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, etc. Their use is to confirm God's covenant with believers.

Q10. Who are the proper subjects of the sacraments?

A. Believers and their seed are the subjects of baptism, but adult Christians only of the Lord's supper; Acts 2:38, 39. Repent, and be baptized every one of you; for the promise is unto you, and to your children, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 1 Corinthians 11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

Q11. What is the main use and end of sacraments?

A. It is to ratify and confirm God's covenant with believers; Romans 4:11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised, etc. 1 Corinthians 11:26. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death until he come.

Q12. What is the first instruction from hence?

A. That the abuse of such holy and solemn mysteries is a sin of dreadful aggravation, and such as God will punish; 1 Corinthians 11:27. Wherefore, whoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Q13. What is the second instruction?

A. Hence we learn the tender care and love of Christ over the church, in instituting such useful and comfortable ordinances for us. Of the Number of Sacraments

Q1. Is a sacrament a holy ordinance?

A. Yes: For we minister about holy things, 1 Cor. 9:13.

Q2. Must they therefore be holy that attend them?

A. Yes: Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, Isa. 52:11.

Q3. Are sacraments instituted by Christ?

A. Yes: The Lord himself shall give you a sign, Isa. 7:14.

Q4. May men institute sacraments?

A. No: Jeroboam, that ordained a feast which he had devised of his own heart sinned, and made Israel to sin, 1 Kings 12:33.

Q5. Is there in a sacrament an outward and visible sign?

A. Yes: Behold the blood of the covenant, Exod. 24:8.

Q6. Is there an inward and spiritual grace?

A. Yes: For that Rock was Christ, 1 Cor. 10:4.

Q7. Are outward signs of use to inform our understandings?

A. Yes: For in them Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us, Gal. 3:1.

Q8. Are they of use to refresh our memories?

A. Yes: These stones shall be for a memorial, Josh. 4:7.

Q9. And to stir up our affections?

A. Yes: They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. 12:10.

Q10. Are they of use to transmit the things of God from generation to generation?

A. Yes: For your children shall ask you, What mean you by this service? Exod. 12:26.

Q11. Is a sacrament a seal?

A. Yes: Circumcision was a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, Rom. 4:11.

Q12. A seal of the covenant?

A. Yes: He gave him the covenant of circumcision, Acts 7:8.

Q13. Is a sacrament an oath?

A. Yes: They entered into an oath to walk in God's law, Neh. 10:29.

Q14. Is it an encouragement to our faith?

A. Yes: Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing, John 20:27.

Q15. Is it an engagement to obedience?

A. Yes: That henceforth we should not serve sin Rom. 6:6.

Q16. Is Christ applied to us in sacraments?

A. Yes: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Gal. 3:27.

Q17. Are the benefits of the new covenant applied to us?

A. Yes: To be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee, Gen. 17:7.

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Q91: How do the sacraments become effectual means of … Q93: Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

The Sacraments

Baptism and the Lord's Supper as means of grace

Q85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

Q86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Q87. What is repentance unto life?

A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.

Q88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Q89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.

Q90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Q91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Q92. What is a sacrament?

A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Q93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

A. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.

Q94. What is Baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Q95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?

A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

Q96. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.

Q97. What is required for the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.