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Catechism #38



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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