OCT 21

Acts 2:41-46
Memorise Psalm 29:2
“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name…”

HOW IS ARE SACRAMENTS OBSERVED IN A REFORMED CHURCH?

A sacrament is a holy ordinance (order) instituted by Christ. It is an outward, visible sign of inward, invisible grace where, by sensory signs, “…Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism) In this passage of Acts, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper come after repentance and acceptance of the Word. In themselves, do they not save, they are not prerequisites of salvation. However, believers must take them seriously and value them. Christ commanded his disciples teach all nations and baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19) and He instructed the disciples to keep the LORD’s Supper in remembrance of Him (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). When we are baptised and take the Lord’s Supper, it is done in obedience to Christ and thus also a form of worship whereby we express our reverence and adoration of God. Sacraments are given to us as a means of grace, and in the right keeping of these sacraments, there are wonderful spiritual benefits to be had. Such worship is a privilege only for believers. The young believers in Acts took every opportunity to worship God by baptism, the breaking of bread and meeting together with other believers daily in the temple.

In order to take the LORD’s Supper you need to be baptised or reaffirmed (if you were already baptised as an infant). If you are sure of your salvation and have not been baptised, why delay to declare publicly the gift of salvation that has been given to you and accepted? The believers in the early church did not, for why should they? It was the natural and logical thing to do. However, do not feel pressured to be baptised just because all your friends in your year are doing it. You need to be first certain about your own salvation. If you have doubts, seek counsel from the pastor or leaders in your church. If you already are baptised and do take the LORD’s Supper regularly, do ensure that you do so worthily, and not approach the table with unrepented sins or a causal flippant attitude.

Thought: How many sacraments does the Catholic Church have?
Prayer: May my worship of God be pleasing to God and be reflected consistently in all aspects of my life.