Westminster Confession (Chapter XXVII)

Proofs | Search | Previous | Contents | Next

Chapter XXVII
Of the Sacraments

I. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace,^a immediately instituted by God,^b to represent Christ, and his benefits; and to confirm our interest in him:^c as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the church, and the rest of the world;^d and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word.^e

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.^f

III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it:^g but upon the work of the Spirit,^h and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.ⁱ

IV. There be 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.^k

V. The sacraments of the old testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the new.^l