Lord’s Day 25
Q66. What are sacraments?
Sacraments are special signs that you can see, given by God to help us understand the promise of the gospel more clearly, and to put his seal on that promise. And God's gospel promise is this: he forgives our sins and gives us eternal life by grace alone, because of Christ's one sacrifice on the cross.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Genesis 17:11
“And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.”
Deuteronomy 30:6
“And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.”
Romans 4:11
“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:”
Matthew 26:27–28
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Hebrews 10:10
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are sacraments, and what do they help us understand more clearly?
- 2
Why do you think God gives us things we can see and touch to go along with his promises?
- 3
When have you received a gift that reminded you of someone who loves you?
Illustration
When a soldier goes overseas, he might give his child a ring to hold onto. The ring does not replace the father, but every time the child looks at it, the ring says: he loves you and he is coming back. Sacraments work like that. They are signs God gave to say: my promise to forgive you through Christ is real.
Application
The next time you see a baptism or the Lord's Supper at church, watch carefully. Ask God to use what you see to strengthen your trust in his promise of forgiveness through Jesus.