I. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace,[1] immediately instituted by God,[2] to represent Christ and his benefits; and to confirm our interest in Him:[3] as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the world;[4] and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word.[5]
II. 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.[6]
III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither does the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that does administer it:[7] but upon the work of the Spirit,[8] and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.[9]
IV. There are 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.[10]
V. The sacraments of the Old Testament in regard to the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the new.[11]
Reference texts
[1]. Gen 17:7, 10; Rom 4:11. • [2]. Mat 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23. • [3]. 1 Cor 10:16; 11:25-26; Gal 3:27. • [4]. Gen 34:14; Exod 12:48; Rom 15:8. • [5]. Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor 10:16, 21.
[6]. Gen 17:10; Mat 26:27-28; Titus 3:5.
[7]. Rom 2:28-29; 1 Pet 3:21. • [8]. Mat 3:11; 1 Cor 12:13. • [9]. Mat 26:27-28.
[10]. Mat 28:19-20, 19; 1 Cor 4:1; 11:20, 23; Heb 5:4.
[11]. 1 Cor 10:1-4.