Ordination Sacraments

Front 1

What Is A Sacrament? Explain in laymen's terms. Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 1

Romans 4:11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
1 Cor. 11:26 (ESV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Front 2

How many sacraments are there? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 2

Matthew 26:26-28 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. •
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Front 3

Does anything really happen in a sacrament?

Back 3

• Yes, faith is strengthen and believers are nourished. • WCF 27.2 "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 effects of the one are attributed to the other."-

Front 4

Cite at least four New Testament references showing parallels between the Old Testament and New Testament sacraments (quote 2).

Back 4

Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well
Acts 15:1,5 (ESV) But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses."

Front 5

Of what is baptism and sign and seal?

Back 5

- our ingrafting into Christ
- partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace
- and our engagement to be the Lord's."

Front 6

Where in Scripture are the terms sign and seal used?

Back 6

• Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,

Front 7

How is baptism rightly administered? defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 7

• Baptism is to be administered with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; by an ordained minister of the Gospel, to those who profess faith and their children

Front 8

Would you under any circumstances baptize someone by immersion? Explain.

Back 8

• Yes, The essential element of Baptism is the water and the Trinitarian formula.

Front 9

Who is to be baptized? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 9

WSC #95 "Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized."

Acts 2:38-39 (ESV) And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

Front 10

How would you deal with a family in you local church who did not want their child baptized?

Back 10

• I would want to take the time to gently instruct them in the doctrine of baptism and its importance, particularly with any difficulties they may have-especially with baptizing their children. I would especially seek to instruct them in a covenantal understanding of scripture and the continuity between the new and old testament scriptures. • In the end I would respect the families convictions and not require them to baptize their child, while at the same time praying that the Lord would lead them to such a conviction. • However, the individual who did not hold to the position of paedo-baptism could not become an officer in the church.

Front 11

Does baptism actually save the person baptized? Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 11

WCF 28.5 "Although it be a great sin to condemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated."

WCF 28.6 "The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Spirit, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongs unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in His appointed time." • Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, • Titus 3:4-6 (ESV) But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Front 12

Can a person be baptized more than once? Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 12

WCF 28.7 "The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered unto any person. "

Front 13

How would you handle a request for baptism from a previously baptized Roman Catholic or liberal?

Back 13

I would explain to them that the efficacy of baptism lies not in the person adminstering the sacrament or the person receiving it, but in the promises of God applied by the Holy Spirit.

Front 14

How would you handle a request for baptism from a previously baptized Mormon?

Back 14

• I would counsel the person to receive Christian baptism. The reason being that the Mormon church is no church of Christ. Therefore, I would want this person to recognize a definitive break from this false religion and to identify that though the Mormons may use the same words-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-they speak not of the Trinity, but of three god's and manipulations of the true God at that.

Front 15

What is the meaning of the Lord's Supper?

Back 15

• Perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ.
• Sealing of all the benefits thereof to the true believer.
• Spiritual nourishment and growth for the believer.
• Further engagement in and to all the duties which they owe to him
• Bond and pledge of the believer's union with Christ and each other.

Front 16

What "happens" in the Lord's Supper?

Back 16

• Christ is present in the Lord's Supper, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. His presence enables believers to enjoy a mystical communion with Him as they are spiritually nourished by Christ's body and blood.

• WSC #96 "The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worth receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace."

Front 17

Distinguish Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and Zwinglian views.

Back 17

• Roman Catholic-Transubstantiation: Bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, though you can’t see it.
• Lutheran-Consubstantiation: Bread and wine do not become the body of Christ, but Christ actually is "in, with, and under" the elements.
• Reformed-Spiritual presence: The bread and the wine are not changed during the sacrament, but Christ is spiritually present in a fashion which allows true believers to be spiritually strengthen by a mystical communion with Christ.
• Zwingli-Memorial: The bread and the wine are not changed because the sacrament IS only a memorial to Christ's sacrifice on our behalf.

Front 18

Is Christ in any sense present in the Lord's Supper? If so how?

Back 18

• Yes, Christ is spiritually present with believers in the Lord's Supper.
• WCF 29.7 "partakers spiritually, receive and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of His death: the body and blood of Christ being

Front 19

. How should believers celebrate the Lord's Supper?

Back 19

WSC #97 "It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's super, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves."

Front 20

How is "fencing the table" practiced during communion?

Back 20

• BCO 58-4 "Since, by our Lord's appointment, the sacrament sets forth the communion of Saints, the minister, at the discretion of the Session, before the observance begins, may either invite all those who profess the true religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church, to participate in the ordinance; or may invite those who have been approved by the session, after having given indication of their desire to participate. It is proper also to give special invitation to non-communicants to remain during the service."

Front 21

REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS:Purposes

Back 21

WCF 27:1 "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 then to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word"

Front 22

REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS: Parts

Back 22

WCF 27:2 "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 effects of the one are attributed to the other.

Front 23

REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS: Efficacy

Back 23

WCF 27:3 "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.

Front 24

How would you defend infant baptism biblically?

Back 24

1. Connection between Circumcision and Baptism (Col 2:11-12)
2. What was not the meaning of Circumcision nor baptism (Rom 4:11)
2. Lack of Biblical instructions to change (as there is between passover and Lord's Supper)
3. In the NT, every time someone is saved, if their family is present, they are all baptized (Acts 16 : Lydia & Philippian Jailer) (1Cor 1:16 : House of Stephanas)

Front 25

How does a child/adult get grace by sacraments?

Back 25

- Proclamation of the Gospel
- Words of Institution
- Power of the Holy Spirit

Front 26

What is an example of a sign pointing to the thing symbolized?

Back 26

Wedding ring (pointer)
Golden arches (they don't go to the sign but inside to recieve food) Baptism is a sign.

Front 27

What is a "seal"?

Back 27

The seal is God's promise to us that the sacrament is effectual, either to seal His justice, or His grace.

Front 28

What is the difference between an ordinance and a sacrament?

Back 28

The significant difference between the two terms is God’s role in the act. When viewed as sacramental, baptism is more than an act of man - it is a means by which God conveys grace. When viewed as an ordinance, baptism is the testimony of the person being baptized. While it points back to an act of God in the person’s life, God plays no role in the baptism - it is an act by a man (usually a pastor) performed on a man (the person being baptized).

Front 29

What scripture passages would you point to for examples of household baptism?

Back 29

Acts 10 ~ Cornelius
Acts 16 ~ Lydia
Acts 16 ~ Philippian Jailer
1 Corinthians 1 ~ Stephanas

Front 30

Why do you not need right knowledge to be saved?

Back 30

Because it is a work of the Holy Spirit, not a cognitive work. It is God's Work.

Front 31

What are the 4 things sacraments represent?

Back 31

1) Represents Christ,
2) Confirm receivers of Christ,
3) To distinguish believers from unbelievers.
4) Engage receivers in the service of Christ.

Front 32

Why isn't marriage a sacrament?

Back 32

1. It is for non-Christians too.
2. It is not for all believers (i.e. Paul, Jesus)

Front 33

What is the Sacramental Union?

Back 33

Either the term used for the presence of the body of Christ according to Luther. Or it is the connection between the tangible sacrament and the thing signified.

Front 34

What is the union between the sacrament and the thing signified?

Back 34

Communion: Feeding on Christ
Baptism: Washing with blood of Christ

Front 35

What is needed for Baptism?

Back 35

Water and the Trinitarian Formula.

Front 36

Why Sprinkling?

Back 36

Acts 16 ~ Philippian Jailer in his house.
Leviticus 16 Blood of the covenant is sprinkled on the alter.

Front 37

How do the Sacraments differ?

Back 37

Baptism is to be administered once (as sign of regeneration).
Lord's supper is to be administered repeatedly (as a sign of our continual need of grace for sanctification)

Front 38

How are the Sacraments the same?

Back 38

- Signs and Seals of Covenant
- To be done till Christ returns
- God is the author
- Done by ordained minister (1 Tim 4 distinguishes teaching and ruling elders)

Front 39

When observing the LORD's Supper, what must the minister show?

Back 39

1. That it is an ordinance of Christ (by reading the words of institution from an evangelist or from 1 Corinthians 11)
2. That it is to be observed in remembrance of Chrsit, to show forth His death till He comes; that it is of great benefit to strengthen His people against sin, to support them under troubles, to encourage them to duty, to inspire them to love, to increase their faith and resolution, and to comfort their hopes of eternal life.

Front 40

Who does the minister invite to the LORD's supper?

Back 40

invite all those who profess the true
religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church,
to participate in the ordinance; or may invite those who have been approved
by the Session, after having given indication of their desire to participate. It
is proper also to give a special invitation to non-communicants to remain during the service.

Front 41

After praying and giving thanksgiving for the elements in the LORD's Supper, what words is the minister to say?

Back 41

That the Lord Jesus Christ on the same night in which
He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He
broke it, gave it to His disciples, as I, ministering in His name,
give this bread to you, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body
which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (Some other
biblical account of the institution of this part of the Supper may be
substituted here.)
Here the bread is to be distributed. After having given the bread, he
shall take the cup, and say:
In the same manner, He also took the cup, and having
given thanks as has been done in His name, He gave it to the
disciples, saving, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Drink from it,
all of you."

Front 42

In Baptism, what are some areas the minister must touch on concerning baptism?

Back 42

a. instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ;
b. It is a seal of the Covenant of Grace, of our ingrafting into
Christ, and of our union with Him, of remission of sins, regeneration,
adoption, and life eternal;
c. That the water, in baptism, represents and signifies both the blood of Christ, which taketh away all guilt of sin, original and actual; and the sanctifying virtue of the Spirit of Christ against the dominion of sin, and the corruption of our sinful nature;
d. That baptizing, or sprinkling and washing with water, signifies the
cleansing from sin by the blood and for the merit of Christ, together
with the mortification of sin, and rising from sin to newness of life,
by virtue of the death and resurrection of Christ;
e. That the promise is made to believers and their children; and that the children of believers have an interest in the covenant, and right to the seal of it, and to the outward privileges of the Church, under the Gospel,
f. That the Son of God admitted little children into His presence,
embracing and blessing them, saying, “For of such is the kingdom of God”;
g. That children by Baptism, are solemnly received into the Visible Church, distinguished from the world, and them that are
without, and united with believers; and that all who are baptized in
the name of Christ, do renounce, and by their Baptism are bound to
fight against the devil, the world, and the flesh;
h. That they are federally holy before Baptism, and therefore are they baptized;
i. That the inward grace and virtue of Baptism is not tied to that very
moment of time wherein it is administered; and that the fruit and
power thereof reaches to the whole course of our life; and that
outward baptism is not so necessary, that through the want thereof,
the infant is in danger of damnation;
j. By virtue of being children of believing parents they are, because of God’s covenant ordinance, made members of the Church, but this is
not sufficient to make them continue members of the Church. When they have reached the age of discretion, they become subject to
obligations of the covenant: faith, repentance and obedience. They
then make public confession of their faith in Christ, or become
covenant breakers, and subject to the discipline of the Church.

Front 43

What words does the minister use when pouring or sprinkling water?

Back 43

Using the childs name, he shall say: I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit. He shall then conclude with prayer.