Heidelberg Catechism

Question 66. What are sacraments?

Answer: Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They are instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel and might put his seal on that promise. (a)

And this is the gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the cross. (b)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

a. Genesis 17:11

You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

      Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. 

      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 … .

b. Matthew 26:27-28

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

      Acts 2:38

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. 

      Hebrews 10:10

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 ESV)