Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '4. The efficacy of the Sacraments'.
My summary
Today Hodge begins teaching us about the sacraments.
Firstly we learn about the usage of the word. Hodge defines sacraments as ordinances which by common consent are admitted to be sacraments. These are Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
The rest of the reading examines Lutheran, Romish and Remonstrant teaching on the sacraments, including a discussion of the Romanist seven sacraments.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's short defence of the Reformed position on Baptism and the Lord's supper as sacraments: 'Baptism and the Lord's Supper are admitted to be sacraments. They are (1.) Ordinances instituted by Christ. (2.) They are in their nature significant, baptism of cleansing ; the Lord's Supper of spiritual nourishment. (3.) They were designed to be perpetual. (4.) They were appointed to signify, and to instruct ; to seal, and thus to confirm and strengthen ; and to convey or apply, and thus to sanctify, those who by faith receive them. On this principle the definition of a sacrament given in the standards of our Church is founded. " A sacrament," it is said, " is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ and the benefits of the New Covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers."'
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '5. The necessity of the Sacraments'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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