Our Lutheran churches teach that the sacraments were instituted not merely to be marks of profession among men but especially to be signs and testimonies of the will of God toward us, intended to awaken and confirm faith in those who use them.  Consequently the sacraments should be so used that faith, which believes the promises that are set forth and offered, is added.  [Our churches therefore condemn those who teach that the sacraments justify by the outward act and who do not teach that faith, which believes that sins are forgiven, is required in the use of the sacraments.]6

The Bible reveals the key to the Sacraments is that they are means to distribute God's grace and promises. God attaches His Word of promise to the element of the Sacrament. The Latin word 'Sacrament' means 'mystery.' God's gifts are given in God's mysterious ways through water, wine, or bread. These ordinary items are connected to God's promises and strengthens the faith of those receiving them.

In the Lutheran understanding, a sacrament is a sacred act that was 1) instituted by God; 2) in which God Himself has joined His Sacred Word of promise to a visible element; 3) and by which He offers, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Jesus Christ. So by the Lutheran definition, there are two sacraments: Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Sometimes Holy Absolution is counted as a third sacrament, even though it has no divinely instituted visible element. It does offer, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Jesus Christ.

--Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,