The sacraments and preaching

65 Since then faith alone makes us share in Christ and all his benefits, where does this faith come from?

65 From the Holy Spirit, 1 who works it in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, 2 and strengthens it by the use of the sacraments. 3

66 What are the sacraments?

66 The sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by their use he might the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel. 1

66 And this is the promise: that God graciously grants us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life because of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross. 2

67 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?

67 Yes, indeed. The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and assures us by the sacraments that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross. 1

68 How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant?

68 Two: holy baptism and the holy supper. 1

Footnotes

Question 65 · Footnote 1

John 3:5

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:10-14

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Philippians 1:29

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

Question 65 · Footnote 2

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

1 Peter 1:23-25

since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever."And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Question 65 · Footnote 3

Matthew 28:19-20

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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

1 Corinthians 10:16

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?

Question 66 · Footnote 1

Genesis 17:11

You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Romans 4:11

He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,

Question 66 · Footnote 2

Matthew 26:27-28

"Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 2:38

And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 10:10

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Question 67 · Footnote 1

Romans 6:3

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

1 Corinthians 11:26

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Question 68 · Footnote 1