What Makes a Biblical Church: The Sacraments
The Glorious Church
May 17, 2026
Rev. Tim Sharpe
The sermon teaches that baptism and the Lord's Supper are Christ‑instituted sacraments — visible signs and seals of God's covenant promises that apply Christ to believers and demand a responsible, communal response rather than mere ritual.
Summary
The preacher defines sacraments as God‑given signs instituted by Christ that both display divine promises and call for a response; they are seals guaranteeing authenticity and means by which Christ is applied to believers. Using Genesis and everyday signs as a starting point, the sermon explains that baptism (the New Testament replacement for circumcision) is an entrance rite signifying washing from sin, union with Christ, and hope of resurrection while marking covenant membership and calling believers to remember God's promises, live boldly, and demonstrate family love. The Lord's Supper is a recurring meal that commemorates Christ's sacrifice and requires discerning, brotherly participation; taken lightly or without proper discernment it risks real harm. Overall, sacraments are essential covenant signs given to all believers, not mere rituals.
Key Points
- Preaching must call for response; teaching alone is not enough
- Biblical signs point to spiritual realities and help prevent forgetfulness
- A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ: a visible sign, a seal, and a means of applying Christ to believers
- Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the New Testament sacraments because Christ instituted and commanded them for all believers
- Baptism: an entrance rite replacing circumcision, signifying washing from sin, union with Christ, hope of resurrection, and inclusion of covenant children
- Baptismal responsibilities: remember God's promises, live as God's distinct people, live without fear, and practice family love with fellow believers
- The Lord's Supper: a recurring meal modeled on Jesus' last meal, a remembrance of his sacrifice that requires discerning, communal participation
- Because sacraments communicate promises and responsibilities, they are essential means of grace, not mere ritual, and must be approached with reverence and discernment
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