“Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” — John 6:53–54 (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)
“Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” — Romans 6:3 (BSB)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20 (BSB)
To neglect the sacraments is to cut oneself off from vital channels of grace. Baptism marks our entrance into Christ and His Church, while Holy Communion sustains us in union with Him and with one another. Through these signs, the Holy Spirit deepens our faith, assures us of forgiveness, and nourishes us for godly living. They are not bare rituals but means by which Christ feeds, strengthens, and sanctifies His people.
Anglican teaching emphasizes that the sacraments are necessary, not for salvation in every case, but for obedience, assurance, and growth in grace. Article XXV calls them “effectual signs of grace,” while the Book of Common Prayer reminds us that in them, Christ is “truly present… to the strengthening and refreshing of our souls.”
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “He who despises the sacraments despises the wisdom and goodness of Christ. They are His gifts, not man’s inventions. In receiving them rightly, we draw near to Him, and He draws near to us” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “The sacraments are where heaven touches earth. In them, Christ ministers to us—not in vague spirituality, but in concrete grace that feeds the soul” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “We need the sacraments not just because Christ commanded them, but because we are weak and forgetful people. Through water, bread, and wine, Christ reassures, strengthens, and binds us to Himself” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) affirms, “The sacraments are how God keeps His people in the journey of faith. They are not the whole of the Christian life, but without them, the Christian life withers” (Pastoral Address, 2019).
Thus, to receive the sacraments is to obey Christ, grow in grace, and remain anchored in the visible Church. They are gifts for our good, given by Christ’s hand, to bring us safely home to glory.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Do not turn away from the Holy Mysteries. They are the food of immortality, the bond of union with Christ, and the pledge of resurrection.” — Catechetical Lectures, 23.10
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “By the water of Baptism and the bread of the Eucharist, Christ nourishes His Church. These are not symbols only, but the means of our sanctification.” — Against Heresies, IV.18.5
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “No one may partake of the Eucharist unless he believes the teaching of Christ, is washed in Baptism, and lives as Christ taught.” — 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.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
