Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '5. The necessity of the Sacraments'.
My summary
Today Hodge explains the different views on the efficacy of the sacraments.
The view of Zwingli is that they are not means of grace, but perpetual memorials of the work of redemption.
The doctrine of the Reformed church is that the sacraments are a real means of grace for conveying the benefits of redemption.
The Lutheran doctrine differs from the Reformed view only in that the efficacy of the sacraments is due to their own inherent power.
The Roman Catholic view differs in a number of ways from the Reformed view, particularly in its understanding of the sacraments':
(i) power;
(ii) administration;
(iii) reception.
What grabbed me
I liked this point: 'The first point clearly taught on this subject in the Symbols of the Reformed Church is that the sacraments are real means of grace, that is, means appointed and employed by Christ for conveying the benefits of his redemption to his people. They are not, as Romanists teach, the exclusive channels ; but they are channels.'
An important distinction to make.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '7. Baptism'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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