The Sacraments

The greatest need for sinful man is the forgiveness of sins.  The Bible says of Jesus: “Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you. Everyone who believes is justified through him from everything that you could not be justified from through the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39 CSB)

When you simply hear God’s Word and believe in Jesus, you have God’s forgiveness.  At the same time, God has also given us ways to receive that forgiveness in very personal and physical ways.  A sacrament is a sacred act, instituted by God, in which God adds His Word of forgiveness to a visible element.  Baptism and the Lord’s Supper fit that definition.  

Baptism

Jesus Himself commanded that his followers be baptized. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19-20 CSB)

In Peter’s great Pentecost sermon, he answered the crowd’s question of “What shall we do?” by saying: “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 CSB)

We are all born sinful and so are in need of forgiveness (Psalm 51:5).  Therefore the Christian Church understood from its very beginnings that Baptism was a sacrament to be offered also to infants (Acts 2:39).  

The Lord’s Supper

Jesus connected His Word of forgiveness to the elements of bread and wine in His last Passover supper with the disciples.  “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28 CSB)

He declared in this way that His Body and Blood are “really present” in the bread and wine for us to take His forgiveness into our bodies.  Since the Bible surrounds this sacrament with instructions for its proper reception, we ask that our non-Lutheran guests be patient with us and receive that instruction before communing at the altar.