Pca Ordination Exam Sacraments

Front 1

What Is A Sacrament? Explain in laymen's terms. Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

Back 1

• Sacraments are signs and seals of grace which:
1) Represent Christ, 2) Confirm receivers of Christ, 3) To distinguish these receivers from non-receivers, 4) Engage receivers in the service of Christ.
• WSC #92 “A sacrament 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.”
• Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
• 1 Cor. 10:16-17 (ESV) The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
• 1 Cor. 11:26 (ESV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Front 2

. How many sacraments are there? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

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Two.
• WSC #93 "The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord's supper."
• Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV) Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
• Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Front 3

Does anything really happen in a sacrament?

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• Yes, faith is strengthen and believers are nourished.
• WCF 27.2 "There is in every sacrament, a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified: whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other."-
• Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV) Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Front 4

Cite at least four New Testament references showing parallels between the Old Testament and New Testament sacraments (quote 2).

Back 4

• Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV) Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
• Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
• 1 Cor. 10:1-4 (ESV) I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.
• Col. 2:11-12 (ESV) In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
• Acts 15:1,5 (ESV) But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses."

Front 5

Of what is baptism and sign and seal?

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• Engrafting into Christ
• Partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace
• Our engagement to be the Lord's
• WSC #94 " Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's."

Front 6

Where in Scripture are these terms used?

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• Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
• Romans 6:4 (ESV) We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
• 2 Cor. 1:21-22 (ESV) And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
• Galatians 3:27 (ESV) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
• Ephes. 1:13-14 (ESV) In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Front 7

How does the latter term relate to paedo-baptism?

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• Infant baptism is a sign and seal indicating that one has been publicly identified with Christ by his parents and thus is engaged to be the Lord's. One can have confidence that he belongs to Christ if he perseveres in obedience to Christ's commands.

Front 8

How is baptism rightly administered? defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

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• Baptism is to be administered with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; by an ordained minister of the Gospel, to those who profess faith and their children.
• WCF 18.1 "The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized in the name of f;,:' the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, by a minister of the Gospel, lawfully called thereunto. "
• WSC #95 "Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized."
• Matthew 18:19 (ESV) Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
• Acts 2:38-39 (ESV) And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."
• 1 Cor. 7:14 (ESV) For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
• Col. 2:11-12 (ESV) In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Front 9

Would you under any circumstances baptize someone by immersion? Explain.

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• Yes, The essential element of Baptism is the water and the Trinitarian formula. The mode of baptism can be sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, none of which being more preferable, though sprinkling is the traditional form used in Presbyterian circles. That being said, were, someone to express interest in immersion I would want to investigate to insure that they were not deceived into thinking it was somehow a "higher" form of baptism.

Front 10

Who is to be baptized? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

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Professing believers and their children.
• WSC #95 "Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized."
• Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV) Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
• Acts 2:38-39 (ESV) And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."
• 1 Cor. 7:14 (ESV) For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
• Col. 2:11-12 (ESV) In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Front 11

How would you deal with a family in you local church who did not want their child baptized?

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• I would want to take the time to gently instruct them in the doctrine of baptism and its importance, particularly with any difficulties they may have-especially with baptizing their children. I would especially seek to instruct them in a covenantal understanding of scripture and the continuity between the new and old testament scriptures.
• In the end I would respect the families convictions and not require them to baptize their child, while at the same time praying that the Lord would lead them to such a conviction.
• However, the individual who did not hold to the position of paedo-baptism could not become an officer in the church.

Front 12

Does baptism actually save the person baptized? Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

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• No, though it is a great grievance to neglect baptism, the outward sign is not so inextricably linked to the inner reality that one cannot be saved without it. Nor is our confidence in that which is signified and sealed in baptism such that we equate it with salvation.
• WCF 28.5 "Although it be a great sin to condemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated."
• WCF 28.6 "The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Spirit, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongs unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in His appointed time."
• Romans 4:11 (ESV) He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
• Titus 3:4-6 (ESV) But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Front 13

Can a person be baptized more than once? Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs.

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• No, a person cannot receive 'valid" Christian baptism more than once.
• WCF 28.7 "The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered unto any person. "-
• Titus 3:4-6 (ESV) But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Front 14

How would you handle a request for baptism from a previously baptized Roman Catholic?

Back 14

I would explain to them that the efficacy of baptism lies not in the person adminstering the sacrament or the person receiving it, but in the promises of God applied by the Holy Spirit.

Front 15

How would you handle a request for baptism from a previously baptized former liberal?

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I would explain to them that the efficacy of baptism lies not in the person adminstering the sacrament or the person receiving it, but in the promises of God applied by the Holy Spirit.

Front 16

How would you handle a request for baptism from a previously baptized Mormon?

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• I would counsel the person to receive Christian baptism. The reason being that the Mormon church is no church of Christ. Therefore, I would want this person to recognize a definitive break from this false religion and to identify that though the Mormons may use the same words-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-they speak not of the Trinity, but of three god's and manipulations of the true God at that.

Front 17

What is the meaning of the Lord's Supper?

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• Perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ.
• Sealing of all the benefits thereof to the true believer.
• Spiritual nourishment and growth for the believer.
• Further engagement in and to all the duties which they owe to him
• Bond and pledge of the believer's union with Christ and each other.
• WCF 29.1 "Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the sacrament of His body and blood, called the Lard's supper, to be observed in His Church, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of Himself in His death; the sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in Him, their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto Him; and, to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Him, and with each other, as members of His mystical body. "

Front 18

What "happens" in the Lord's Supper?

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• Christ is present in the Lord's Supper, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. His presence enables believers to enjoy a mystical communion with Him as they are spiritually nourished by Christ's body and blood.
• WCF 29.2 'In this sacrament, Christ is not offered up to His Father; nor any real sacrifice made at all, for remission of sins of the quick or the dead; but only a commemoration of that one offering up of Himself, by Himself, upon the cross, once for all: and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God, for the same: so that the popish sacrifice of the mass (as they call it) is most abominably injurious to Christ's one, only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all sins of His elect "-
• WSC #96 "The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worth receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace."

Front 19

Distinguish Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and Zwinglian views.

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• Roman Catholic-Transubstantiation: Bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, though you can’t see it.
• Lutheran-Consubstantiation: Bread and wine do not become the body of Christ, but Christ actually is "in, with, and under" the elements.
• Reformed-Spiritual presence: The bread and the wine are not changed during the sacrament, but Christ is spiritually present in a fashion which allows true believers to be spiritually strengthen by a mystical communion with Christ.
• Zwingli-Memorial: The bread and the wine are not changed because the sacrament IS only a memorial to Christ's sacrifice on our behalf.

Front 20

Is Christ in any sense present in the Lord's Supper? If so how?

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• Yes, Christ is spiritually present with believers in the Lord's Supper.
• WCF 29.7 "Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements, in this sacrament, do then also, inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally but spiritually, receive and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of His death: the body and blood of Christ being, then, not corporally or carnally, in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet, as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses. "

Front 21

. How should believers celebrate the Lord's Supper?

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• Examine oneself of your knowledge: to discern the Lord's body your faith to feed on him of your repentance, love, and new obedience
• WSC #97 "It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's super, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves."

Front 22

How is "fencing the table" practiced during communion?

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• BCO 58-4 "Since, by our Lord's appointment, the sacrament sets forth the communion of Saints, the minister, at the discretion of the Session, before the observance begins, may either invite all those who profess the true religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church, to participate in the ordinance; or may invite those who have been approved by the session, after having given indication of their desire to participate. It is proper also to give special invitation to non-communicants to remain during the service."

Front 23

REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS:Purposes

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WCF 27:1 "Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ, and his benefits; and to confirm our interest in Him: as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church, and the rest of the world; and solemnly to engage then to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word"

Front 24

REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS: Parts

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WCF 27:2 "There is, in every sacrament, a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified: whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other.

Front 25

REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS: Efficacy

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WCF 27:3 "The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it: but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.

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REFORMED VIEW OF SACRAMENTS: Number

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WCF 27:4 "There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.