Heidelberg Catechism, Week 25

Lord’s Day 25

65. Since, then, we are made partakers of Christ and all His benefits by faith only, where does this faith come from?

The Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts¹ by the preaching of the Holy Gospel,² and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.³

¹ Jn 3:5; Rom 10:17; 1 Cor 2:10-14; Eph 2:8; Php 1:29; ² Rom 10:17; 1 Pt 1:23-25; ³ Mt 28:19-20; Rom 4:11; 1 Cor 10:16

66. What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are visible holy signs and seals appointed by God for this end, that by their use He may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the Gospel,¹ namely, that of free grace He grants us the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life for the sake of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.²

¹ Gen 17:11; Deut 30:6; Ezek 20:12; Rom 4:11; Heb 9:8-9; ² Mt 26:27-28; Acts 2:38; Heb 10:10

67. Are both the Word and the sacraments designed to direct our faith to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

Yes, truly, for the Holy Spirit teaches in the Gospel and assures us by the holy sacraments, that our whole salvation stands in the one sacrifice of Christ made for us on the cross.¹

¹ Acts 2:41-42; Rom 6:3; 1 Cor 11:26; Gal 3:27; Heb 9:12

68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the New Testament?

Two: Holy Baptism¹ and the Holy Supper.²

¹ Mt 28:19-20; ² 1 Cor 11:23-26

(URC Learning)