---
title: "Question 162: What is a Sacrament? | Westminster Larger Catechism"
description: "Westminster Larger Catechism, question 162: What is a Sacrament? A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-162-what-is-a-sacrament/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=149"
---

# Question 162: What is a Sacrament? | Westminster Larger Catechism

A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; to oblige them to obedience; to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; and to distinguish them from those that are without.

Scripture proofs: Gen. 17:7, 10; Ex. 12:1-51; Matt. 28:19; Matt. 26:26-28; Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11: 24-25; Rom. 15:8; Ex. 12:48; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 10:16; Rom. 4:11; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3- 4; 1 Cor. 10:21; Eph. 4:2-5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:11; Gen. 34:14.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=149)

## Related reading

- [Baptism and the children of believers](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/baptism/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-27-sacraments/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 91: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-91-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 161: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-161-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/)
- [Question 161](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-161-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/)
- [Question 163](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-163-what-are-the-parts-of-a-sacrament/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-162-what-is-a-sacrament/