“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… so that just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may walk in newness of life.” — 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)
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7 (BSB)
“He saved us, not by righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” — Titus 3:5–6 (BSB)
In Baptism, the inward grace is new birth into Christ, cleansing from sin, and incorporation into His Body. In Holy Communion, it is true participation in the body and blood of Christ, spiritual nourishment, and deeper communion with Him and His Church. These benefits are not automatic or mechanical; they are received by faith, with repentance and trust in God’s Word.
Article XXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles affirms that sacraments are “effectual signs of grace” by which God works invisibly in us, quickening and confirming our faith. They are means of grace—not ends in themselves—but instruments by which the Spirit draws us into deeper union with Christ.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The grace of God in a sacrament is like the sap of life in a tree—hidden from view but nourishing the whole. We cannot see it, but its fruit will appear in the believer’s life” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) explains, “The sacraments do what Christ said they do. The outward sign is real, and the inward grace is even more real. We are joined to Him, forgiven, nourished, and strengthened” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) teaches, “The inward grace of the sacrament is the life of Christ given to His people. In the water of baptism and the bread and wine of the Eucharist, the Gospel touches our whole being—body and soul” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) affirms, “The sacraments are not just ordinances—they are encounters. In them, the grace of God reaches into our lives, conforms us to Christ, and builds us up in the Spirit” (Provincial Address, 2018).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) adds, “Grace is the heartbeat of the sacrament. It is not earned, bought, or conjured—it is the gift of God to His children, flowing from the cross and alive by the Spirit” (Easter Sermon, 2021).
Thus, the inward and spiritual grace of a sacrament is Christ Himself ministering to us—through signs, in faith, by the Spirit—bringing forgiveness, life, strength, and communion with God and His people.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “The body is washed with water, but the soul is made holy by the Spirit. The bread is seen, but the grace is in the heart.” — Catechetical Lectures, 22.6
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “In the sacraments, the Lord gives His grace through created things. The flesh is touched, but the soul is healed.” — Against Heresies, V.17.2
St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD): “When you see the water of Baptism, do not stop at what your eyes see. The Spirit is working invisibly, giving new life and sealing the soul for Christ.” — Homily on John 25
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.
St. Thomas Church
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