Theology / Sacraments

  • A Sign of Assurance

    Romans 6:5–11

    Because we are united to Christ, the wrath that we deserve was meted out by the Father on His Son at Calvary. Our sin was judged, and the condemnation we earned for having transgressed God’s law was borne by ...Read More

  • A Stronger Union

    John 6:41–59

    We are not advocating the Roman Catholic view of transubstantiation or the Lutheran view of consubstantiation when we affirm the true presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. As we will see, we simply mean that we meet with ...Read More

  • Baptism and Salvation

    1 Peter 3:21

    Throughout history, God has entered into covenants with a visible covenant community, a community identified by its profession of faith. However, not everyone in the visible covenant community possesses faith. Only those who trust in Christ alone are a part ...Read More

  • Becoming Part of the Bride

    Celebrate the Lord’s Supper in your private devotions. Give thanks for the purchase price paid by your Bridegroom. Read More

  • Blessing and Judgment

    1 Corinthians 11:17–34

    Only sinners need the grace of Christ; therefore, only sinners can participate in the Lord’s Supper. But the only sinners who can freely commune with Jesus at His table are those who have acknowledged that they are sinners and ...Read More

  • Eating and Drinking Judgment

    1 Corinthians 10:19–22

    In ourselves, we are all unworthy to approach the throne of grace because of our sin. To say we are worthy of taking the Lord’s Supper is not to deny this fundamental reality; rather, it is to embrace it ...Read More

  • Entrance by Cleansing

    Matthew 28:16-20

    Read Hebrews 9:13 and 10:22. Now find Numbers 19. Note the relationship between death and resurrection, unclean and clean, and old covenant baptism. What does this chapter teach you about your new covenant baptism? How many times do ...Read More

  • Holy Children

    1 Corinthians 7:14

    Presbyterians believe the church distinguishes believers’ children from unbelievers’ children through baptism (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 74). Whether or not you believe infants should be baptized, we can all agree that God expects more from those raised in a Christian home than those who do not grow up under the gospel. “To whom much was given … much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Let us remind our children of this and call them to repent and believe the gospel.Read More

  • Holy Spirit Baptism

    Ephesians 1:13–14

    The New Testament speaks of baptism often because it recognizes the Lord’s presence in this sacrament in a way not found elsewhere. If we truly understand the importance of baptism, we will find our faith and confidence strengthened every ...Read More

  • Honoring God’s Covenant

    Isaiah 1:11–17

    We will look more at church discipline in the days ahead. As we close our study today, let us be reminded that coming into the Lord’s presence without repentance is dangerous indeed. It is particularly risky when we claim ...Read More

  • Infant Baptism

    Acts 2:38-39

    Whether or not we baptize infants, 1 Corinthians 7:12–14 reveals that children of believers have a relationship to the Lord that the offspring of non-believers do not share. They are in the visible church where they enjoy hearing ...Read More

  • Means of Grace

    1 Corinthians 10:16

    The sacraments are mysteries in that we cannot explain fully what God accomplishes through them. We do know, however, that they are more than memorial observations. They become effectual means of grace to those with faith by the working of ...Read More

  • Our Unity in Christ Jesus

    Galatians 3:27–29

    How do we define ourselves? When other people ask us to tell them a little bit about ourselves, what do we say? If one of our friends or coworkers is asked to describe us, what do they say? If the ...Read More

  • Over Against the Other

    Genesis 15:9–11

    The medieval abuses of the church, coupled with the modern tendency toward naturalism, have caused many evangelicals to be wary about the sacraments. Since, by the Spirit, we are lifted up into heaven during worship (Heb. 12:18–24), we ...Read More

  • Proclaiming the Lord’s Death

    1 Corinthians 11:26

    We cannot live without food and drink, and the use of bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper is to remind us that we cannot survive without the death and resurrection of our Savior. As we eat the bread ...Read More