Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7900 The life of the church  »  7957 sacraments

The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper were instituted by Jesus Christ as signs and seals of the covenant. They explain the basis of this covenant and apply its benefits to believers. They replace circumcision and the Passover which were the sacraments of the old covenant.

The sacraments as signs of the new covenant

Baptism

Matthew 28:19 Baptism is one sign of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. See also Acts 2:38,41

The Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 pp Matthew 26:26-28 pp Mark 14:22-24 pp Luke 22:17-20 The new covenant was sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The sacraments as a participation in the body of Christ

Baptism

Galatians 3:27 In the NT baptism immediately follows conversion and testifies to the individual's union with Christ. See also Romans 6:3

The Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The “body of Christ” is a term which goes beyond Jesus Christ to the church. Those who partake of the bread in this way are declaring their membership of the church. See also Matthew 26:26 pp Mark 14:22 pp Luke 22:19 pp 1 Corinthians 11:24; John 6:32-35,48 Jesus Christ likens himself to bread as he is the source of spiritual life and nourishment; John 6:50-58 The believer who eats the bread of the Lord's Supper is renewing his or her dependence on Jesus Christ for spiritual life.

The sacraments as a participation in the death of Christ

Baptism

Romans 6:3-4 Through baptism individuals declare that they have applied to themselves the death of Jesus Christ which atones for sin. See also Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 Baptism does not accomplish the cleansing from sin but it is the outward sign that this has taken place by faith; Romans 6:5-7; Colossians 2:12; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21

The Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 11:26 In taking the emblems of Jesus Christ's broken body and shed blood individuals perpetually apply the merits of Christ's death (i.e., forgiveness of sins) to themselves. See also Matthew 26:27-28 pp Mark 14:23-24 pp Luke 22:20 pp 1 Corinthians 11:25; John 6:53-56; 1 Corinthians 10:16

The sacraments of the old covenant

Circumcision

Acts 7:8 Circumcision was the initiation rite under the old covenant. See also Genesis 17:10-14; Romans 2:28-29 Circumcision was never meant as merely an outward rite. To be effective it required a right attitude of heart; Romans 4:10-11 Circumcision was the seal of Abraham's righteousness imputed to him by his faith; Colossians 2:11-12 Circumcision has now been superseded by baptism for the Christian as the rite of initiation.

The Passover

Exodus 12:25-27 The Passover meal was instituted as a regular commemoration of Israel's redemption from slavery in Egypt. See also Luke 22:15-16 The death of Jesus Christ is closely associated with the Passover by its timing and meaning. The Lord's Supper has superseded the Passover as the corporate meal commemorating the act of redemption; 1 Corinthians 5:7

See also

1345  covenant
2315  Christ as Lamb
2410  cross, the
4418  bread
6754  union with Christ
7028  church, life of
7110  body of Christ
7334  circumcision
7404  ordinances
7406  Passover
7903  baptism
7933  Lord's Supper