CD - The Sacraments (an Introduction) - Mark 14:22-25; 16:15,16

While on this earth, in the form of human man, Jesus began two sacred acts, called sacraments. These two sacred acts are the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of the Altar, as well as other descriptive names. An introduction is in order to explain why we believe in only two sacraments while other churches teach more or fewer than two, or none at all.

Although there is no Biblical definition of a sacrament, for good order our church has its own definition. In order to be considered a sacrament a “yes” must be answered to four important questions. The questions are: 1. Is it a sacred (solemn, holy, Christ-centered) act? 2. Was it instituted (begun, started) by God? 3. Is there a visible element connected by God’s Word? 4. Does it offer forgiveness of sins? Because we include the sacraments with the means of grace, that is, the means or instrument whereby a person receives the grace, or undeserved love, or God’s forgiveness, it is so important that all these questions are answered with a positive “yes.” If any one of these items is answered no, or left out, we would not consider it a sacrament, especially if it does not offer forgiveness it would not be a means of grace. The other means of grace are the Scripture, God’s Word, and Confession and Absolution.

There are many sacred acts involved in divine service and in our lives as Christians. In the sense that God the Father is the creator of the world, you would say that He instituted everything. Questions three and four then are our “narrowing down” questions. There are only two sacraments which answer yes to both of these questions and they are, as we already know, Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

The two Bible readings for today both show the instances of Christ Jesus instituting Baptism (Mark 1:15-16) and the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:22-25). As we get to each sacrament, we will talk more about the visible elements, God’s Word, and the power and blessings of each.

One more quick note, as I stated earlier, the word sacrament is not a Biblical term. However, this fact does not negate what I have already said, but instead the use of the word should help us to better understand the sacred acts. Originally, a sacrament was a solemn oath whereby a person vowed loyalty to someone. In our use of the term, sacrament, our Lord vows His loyalty in Baptism to us and, as often as we partake, He does the same in His Holy Supper.

Dear Lord, forgive me when I neglect Your means of Grace. Forgive me when I forget to read Your Word, to remember my baptism, and attend Your Holy Supper. Help me always to partake in Your Word and Sacraments for the strengthening of my faith. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.