Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 3, point 4. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
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 them to the service of God in Christ, according to His Word.
Scripture proofs: Rom. 4:11; Gen. 17:7, 10; Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23; 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:25-26; Gal. 3:17; Rom. 15:8; Ex. 12:48; Gen. 34: 14; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 10:16, 21.
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.
Scripture proofs: Gen. 17:10; Matt. 26:27-28; Titus 3:5.
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.
Scripture proofs: Rom. 2:28-29; 1 Pet. 3:21; Matt. 3: 11; 1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 26:27-28; Matt. 28:19-20.
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.
Scripture proofs: Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:20, 23; 1 Cor. 4: 1; Heb. 5:4.
5. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.
Scripture proofs: 1 Cor. 10:1-4.
Words to know
- Sign
- Something visible that points to a spiritual reality.
- Seal
- A confirmation of God’s covenant promise to believers.
WCF 27.1 · Signs and seals of God’s promise
Sacraments are holy signs and seals God gave for the covenant of grace. They show Christ and his benefits, confirm his promise to believers, mark the church apart, and call us to serve him. A sign points to what God promises; a seal confirms that promise. They are meaningful gifts, not empty ceremonies.
Romans 4:11; Genesis 17:7; Matthew 28:19.
How can something visible help us understand God’s promise?
WCF 27.2 · The sign and its meaning
A sacrament closely connects its visible sign with the spiritual reality it represents. Scripture therefore sometimes uses the name of the reality for the sign. This does not mean the material sign becomes that reality. We should understand sacramental language by the relationship God established.
Genesis 17:10; Matthew 26:27-28; Titus 3:5.
When bread is called Christ’s body, must its material nature have changed?
WCF 27.3 · The Spirit makes sacraments effective
Sacraments have no saving power in their materials. Their benefit also does not depend on how holy the minister is or on his private intention. God’s Spirit works through Christ’s appointed Word and promise, bringing benefit to those who receive rightly. We trust God, not a magical object or a perfect leader.
Romans 2:28-29; 1 Peter 3:21; Matthew 3:11.
Where does a sacrament’s spiritual benefit come from?
WCF 27.4 · Two sacraments
Christ appointed two New Testament sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are to be administered by a lawfully ordained minister of the Word. The church may not invent additional sacraments or treat their administration as anyone’s private project.
Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1.
Which two sacraments did Christ appoint?
WCF 27.5 · One saving reality across the Testaments
Old Testament and New Testament sacraments differed in their outward forms. Yet the spiritual blessings they showed and conveyed were, in substance, the same. Both pointed God’s people to salvation through Christ rather than two different kinds of rescue.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
How do different signs point to the same Savior?
1. The sacraments are signs of our covenant union with Christ and His Church, and our common profession that we are owned by Him. They are to be observed under the direction of the elders in a service of worship in which members of the congregation are present. 1 Cor. 11:23-24; 1 Cor. 10:21; Acts 2: 42; Num. 9:14.
2. The administration of the sacraments is to be accompanied by the reading and preaching of the Word. Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7.
3. We reject the view that sacraments are mere symbols and not means of grace.
4. We reject the view that the sacraments are not necessary in the Church.
Words to know
- Sign
- Something visible that points to a spiritual reality.
- Seal
- A confirmation of God’s covenant promise to believers.
- Covenant
- A relationship God establishes with promises and responsibilities.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
- Sacraments
- Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: signs and seals Christ gave his church to point to his covenant promises.
Testimony 27.1
Sacraments mark our covenant union with Christ and his church. Elders should oversee them in congregational worship, rather than as isolated private acts.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 27.2
Scripture reading and preaching should accompany the administration of the sacraments.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 27.3
The Testimony rejects treating sacraments as only symbols. God also uses them as means of strengthening his people in grace.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 27.4
The Testimony rejects treating the sacraments as optional or unnecessary for the church.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-93, A-94.