The Heidelberg Catechism

Part II: The Sacraments 

Lord's Day 25

The Sacraments

Q & A 65

Q. It is by faith alone
   that we share in Christ and all his blessings:
   where then does that faith come from?

A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts^1
      by the preaching of the holy gospel,^2
   and confirms it
      through our use of the holy sacraments.^3

   ^1 John 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; Eph. 2:8
   ^2 Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25
   ^3 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:16

Q & A 66

Q. What are sacraments?

A. Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see.
   They were 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.^1

   And this is God's gospel promise:
      to forgive our sins and give us eternal life
      by grace alone
      because of Christ's one sacrifice
      finished on the cross.^2

   ^1 Gen. 17:11; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 4:11
   ^2 Matt. 26:27-28; Acts 2:38; Heb. 10:10

Q & A 67

Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then
   intended to focus our faith
   on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross
   as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Right!

   In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us
   and through the holy sacraments he assures us
      that our entire salvation
      rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.^1

   ^1 Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 3:27

Q & A 68

Q. How many sacraments
   did Christ institute in the New Testament?

A. Two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.^1

   ^1 Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26