4 months ago

Sermon on the sacraments - Read from Belgic Confession, Article 33 - Lords Day June 15th, 2025 - Trinity Reformed Church
The Sacraments are a visible sign of what God has done for us. There are 2 sacraments. Water baptism is a sign. The Lords supper is a sign. The sacraments were ordained by God. Baptism was ordained in Matthew 18, Lords supper Matthew 26:26

A sacrament was used in lawsuits. It was also used (debatable) among roman soldiers who would take a solemn oath. Old latin translation sacrament meant "mystery" - "sacramento" something unknown. It has more to it than just the visible. The "sign" - Sacrament is an ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ which a visible sign signifies the covenant of grace. Signifies the benefits of the covenant of grace. Sign is communion the bread and the cup. The sign points and promises.

Used an analogy of a hospital. We can't stop at a sign we have to go to the Lord for salvation. Sacramental language. Very often the sign refers to what it signifies. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant. Thats why Paul says circumcise your heart. Move from the sign. Signs and seals of the promises of salvation in Christ. As a seal it reassures us we have salvation if we believe. The signs are earthly elements. Baptism signifies that we need to be washed in the blood of Christ. Baptism signifies cleansing. You must be washed inwardly by the Holy Spirit. The Gospel has to be preached.The sacraments point to Jesus.

Article 33 - The Sacraments
We believe that our gracious God, taking account of our weakness and infirmities, has ordained the sacraments for us, thereby to seal unto us His promises, and to be pledges of the good will and grace of God towards us, and also to nourish and strengthen our faith; which He has joined to the Word of the gospel, the better to present to our senses both that which He declares to us by His Word and that which He works inwardly in our hearts, thereby confirming in us the salvation which He imparts to us. For they are visible signs and seals of an inward and invisible thing, by means whereof God works in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore the signs are not empty or meaningless, so as to deceive us. For Jesus Christ is the true object presented by them, without whom they would be of no moment.
Moreover, we are satisfied with the number of sacraments which Christ our Lord has instituted, which are two only, namely, the sacrament of baptism and the holy supper of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Genesis 9:13; Genesis 17:11; Matthew 26:36; Matthew 28:19; Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Colossians 2:11,17.