“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after the supper He took the cup…” — Luke 22:19–20 (BSB)
“Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death…” — Romans 6:3–4 (BSB)
“Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” — 1 Corinthians 10:16 (BSB)
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” — 1 Corinthians 11:23 (BSB)
In Anglican teaching, a sacrament is defined in Article XXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles as “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given unto us, ordained by Christ Himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.” The Church recognizes two dominical sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper—because these were explicitly instituted by Christ and are commanded for all believers.
The sacraments are not magical but deeply spiritual. They require faith and repentance for their proper reception. Baptism is the sacrament of new birth and entrance into the Church. Holy Communion is the sacrament of ongoing nourishment and communion with Christ and one another.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Sacraments are not Christ, but they are Christ’s ordinances. They are not the Savior, but His appointed channels. To despise them is to despise His wisdom and love” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) teaches, “In the sacraments, God stoops to meet us. He gives grace through the Word made tangible—water that washes, bread that feeds, wine that gladdens, all pointing to Jesus Christ” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) explains, “The sacraments anchor the Christian life in something real—God’s initiative, not our emotion. They confirm the promises of the Gospel to us again and again” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) says, “The sacraments are God’s gifts to His people. In them, Christ comes near to us—not just to be remembered, but to be received with faith, joy, and reverence” (Pastoral Letter, 2022).
Rev. Dr. Stephen Gauthier (ACNA) notes, “A sacrament is not a sign pointing to something absent—it is a sign that carries the presence of Christ to His people. Through it, the Spirit applies the Gospel to our lives” (Anglican Perspective, 2020).
The sacraments are God’s appointed means to strengthen the weak, confirm the doubting, unite the Church, and proclaim the Gospel in visible form. They shape our identity, renew our hope, and deepen our communion with the risen Christ.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Do not see merely the bread and wine. They are, according to the Lord’s declaration, His Body and Blood. Though your senses suggest otherwise, faith confirms the mystery.” — Catechetical Lectures, 22.6
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Through the Eucharist, our bodies and souls are nourished, and we become what we receive—the Body of Christ, made alive by His Spirit.” — Against Heresies, IV.18.5
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “This food is called Eucharist, and it is not ordinary bread or drink, but the flesh and blood of Jesus, made flesh for our salvation.” — First Apology, 66
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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