Heidelberg Catechism · 1563

Q66. What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by their use He might the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel. And this is the promise: that God graciously grants us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life because of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.
Answer · Heidelberg Catechism

Scripture proofs

  1. [1]
    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 4:1

    What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

  2. [2]
    Matthew 26:27-28

    And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it 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.

Proof texts as given in the original; verse text from the King James Version.