Lord’s Day 25
Q66. What are sacraments?
Sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed by God for this purpose: to make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and to put his seal on that promise. And this is God's gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ's one sacrifice finished 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.”
Commentary — Zacharias Ursinus (1616)
In explaining the doctrine of the Sacraments, we shall speak first of the sacraments in general, and afterwards of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, in particular. The following questions claim our attention in speaking of the sacraments in general:
I. "What are the sacraments?"
II. "What are the ends thereof?"