There are 2 sacraments – Baptism and Holy Communion

There are two things that make a sacrament –

            1) Jesus did it

            2) Jesus commands us to do it as well

First

What is Baptism?--Answer.

Baptism is not water only but it is the water used together with God's Word and by his command

Which is this word?--Answer.

In Matthew 28 our Lord Jesus Christ, says: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Second

What benefit does God give in Baptism?--Answer.

In baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe what he has promised.

What is God’s promises? Answer.

In Mark 16 our Lord Jesus Christ,, says in the: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not  believe will be condemned

Third

How can water do such great things?--Answer.

It is not the water indeed that does them, but God’s word with the water, and our trust in this Word. Water by itself is only water but with the word of God it is a life-giving water, which by grace gives the new birth through the Holy Spirit.

 St. Paul writes in Titus, chapter three: He saved us…in virtue of his own mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, so that we might  be justified by His grace, and become heirs according in hope of eternal life. This saying is sure”.

Fourth

What does Baptism mean for daily living?--Answer.

It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?--Answer.

St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter 6: We are buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that,  as Christ  was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

What is the Holy Communion?

Holy Communion is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given with bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself, for us Christians to eat and to drink

Where do the Scriptures say this?

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul, say:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.

After the same manner also He took the cup, after supper, and when he had given thanks, gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.

What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?

The benefits of this sacrament are pointed by these words: given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins. These words assure us that in the Sacrament we receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

How can eating and drinking do all this?

It is not the eating and drinking that does this, but the words “given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins”. These words, along with eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. And whoever believes these words has exactly what they say, forgiveness of sins.

When is a person rightly prepared to receive this Sacrament?

Fasting and other outward preparations serve a good purpose. However, that person is well prepared and worthy who believes these words: “Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins”. But anyone who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is neither prepared nor worthy, for the words “For you” require simply a believing heart.