Q. Who are the sacraments for?
A. The sacraments are for all who are trusting in Christ for
their eternal salvation.
The last two questions have demonstrated that we are not
saved by the sacraments, and that we observe the sacraments because we have
been saved. Therefore, baptism and The Lord’s Supper are reserved for all who
have been saved through Jesus.
Baptism should be a personal choice. We do not sprinkle
babies or baptize young children who do not understand the significance of what
they are doing.
The same is true of communion. If a young child does not
take the elements observing the Lord’s death and resurrection, he should not be
taking it.
But if any person, regardless of age, wishes to partake in
the sacraments for the right reasons, they should not be refused. The only
condition is a clean heart.
That’s why Paul instructed to first let each person examine
himself to make sure he took the sacraments in a “worthy manner,” for the right
reason, reflecting on the body and blood of the Lord.
If your baptism was a choice someone made for you, ask God
if He wants you to be baptized again, this time as your personal decision. And next
time the bread and cup are being served, make sure you only take them if you
are doing it to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made on your behalf.
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