The Sacraments What, how, why.
What is a Sacrament? 1. It is a sacred act. 2. It is instituted by God. 3. It has a visible means (water, bread, etc.) In this means God joins himself to it through his word. 4. In a sacrament he offers, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Christ.
Interesting fact: The word sacrament comes from the greek word mystery. When we try to explain a sacrament sometimes we refer to it as a mystery, because our logic can t always understand the ways of God.
Is marriage a Sacrament? A sacred act? Instituted by God? Visible means in Marriage? Forgiveness of sins? No NO THIS DOE NOT MEET THE CRITERIA
Is Confirmation a Sacrament? A sacred act? Instituted by God? No Visible means in Confirmation? No Forgiveness of sins? No NO THIS DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA.
Is the Lord s Supper a Sacrament? A sacred act? Instituted by God? Visible means in Lord s Supper? Forgiveness of sins? YES IT MEETS ALL THE CRITERIA!
Is Baptism a Sacrament? A sacred act? Instituted by God? Visible means in Baptism? Forgiveness of sins? YES IT MEETS ALL THE CRITERIA!
Luther s definition of a sacrament: A sacrament, must have some external, tangible sign or substance. Through this sign God deals visibly with us that we may be sure He is at work. For God does not want to deal with us without some external means, merely be a secret inspiration or a special revelation from Heaven. However, the external work and sign alone mean nothing, nor do they effect anything if His Word is not added. Through the Word these signs receive power, and we perceive what God is working in us through them. But both of these must also be joined by a divine command by which we become assured of His will and work in thee signs and in this Word.
Lutheran s Have 2 Sacraments The Lord s Supper Read I Corinthians 10:6 (In your catechism page 198) Baptism Read Acts 2:38 (In your catechism page 198)
Baptism God comes to us through the Water and the Word
What does the word baptize mean? Page 200 in your catechism states, Baptize means to apply water by immersing, washing, pouring, and the like. Ceremonial washing: Mark 7:4 To baptize with the Holy Spirit means to pour out the Spirit. Matthew 3:11
What do we use water for? Drink Wash Cook Swim Etc.
What is so special about the water of Baptism? It is nothing else than a divine water, not that the water in itself is nobler than other water but that God s Word and commandment are added to it. Luther s Large Catechism IV 14
Who Instituted Baptism? God Himself instituted baptism, for our Lord Jesus Christ commanded His church to baptize all nations.
Read Matthew 28:19-20 Go Go out and tell people, Making disciples of all nations Tell them the message of Jesus so that they might be saved Baptize Adults, men, women, children, young and old. Teach Instruction in the Word of God, the law and the Gospel
In what name do we baptize people? When the pastor is prepared to sprinkle the water on the infants head what does he say? (name) I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. A true baptism is done in the name of the Triune God. Through baptism God comes to us and He receives us into communion, fellowship with our Triune God!
Who should do a baptism? Pastors are called by churches to provide the sacraments so in most cases it will be the pastor. Read I Corinthians 4:1 However, in the case of an emergency and no pastor is available any Christian may baptize. Turn to page 212 in the catechism and note the short order for baptism.
Should we randomly baptize adults? For adults we are to instruct them first and then baptize them after they have been taught the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Acts 2:38-39 and Acts 8:26-39 After Peter taught them they were baptized. The Ethiopian Eunuch was instructed then asked to be baptized Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized.
Who should be baptized? In the Words of Christ all nations. That is all people both young and old. Read Acts 16:25-34 The jailer and his whole family was baptized. Not just Mom and Dad but the children too. Some denominations wait to have their children baptized.
Yes, we baptize babies! God can do miraculous things. We should not deprive an infant from the blessings God gives in baptism. The Holy Spirit imp
Types of Baptism