Baptism

Baptism is one of two sacraments accepted by the Christian Reformed Church because it was commanded and instituted by Christ himself (Matt. 28:18-20). In the Reformed confessions and theological writings about baptism, as well as in contemporary ecumenical documents, the following themes are prominent:
     a. Baptism means participation in Christ's death and resurrection.
     b. Baptism involves conversion, pardoning, and cleansing from sin.
     c. Baptism signifies anointing by and life with the Spirit.
     d. Baptism is a symbol of incorporation into the body of Christ.
     e. Baptism is a sign of the covenant and kingdom of God.

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is the other sacrament accepted by the Christian Reformed Church, because it, too, was commanded and thus instituted by Christ himself, as Paul reports in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (see also Matt. 26:26-29 and parallel Gospel texts). In setting forth the meaning of this sacrament, the Reformed confessions, the writings of Reformed theologians, and recent ecumenical documents emphasize the following themes:
     a. The Lord's Supper is a thanksgiving to God (eucharist).
     b. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ (anamnesis).
     c. The Lord's Supper is a participation in the body and the blood of Christ.
     d. The Lord's Supper signifies the work of the Spirit (epiclesis).
     e. The Lord's Supper symbolizes the unity of the church in all times and places.
     f. The Lord's Supper seals the present and coming kingdom of God.