Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments

Section 1

Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, 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.

Scripture: Genesis 17:7; Genesis 17:10; Romans 4:11 · 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:25-26; Galatians 3:27 · Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23 · Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 10:21 · Genesis 34:14; Exodus 12:48; Romans 15:8

Section 2

There is in every sacrament a spiritual relation or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified; whence it comes to pass that the names and the effects of the one are attributed to the other.

Scripture: Genesis 17:10; Matthew 26:27-28; Titus 3:5

Section 3

The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it, but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.

Scripture: Romans 2:28-29; 1 Peter 3:21 · Matthew 26:27-28 · Matthew 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13

Section 4

There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 11:20; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Hebrews 5:4

Section 5

The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-4