| In the Apology
of the Augsburg Confession the Lutheran Fathers wrote "If we define
sacraments as 'rites which have the command of God and to which the promise of grace has
been added,' we can easily determine which are sacraments in the strict sense. By this
definition, rites instituted by men are not sacraments in the strict sense since men do
not have the authority to promise grace. Hence signs instituted without God's command are
not sure signs of grace, even though they may instruct or admonish the simple folk. The
genuine sacraments, therefore, are Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and absolution (which is
the sacrament of penitence), for these rites have the commandment of God and the promise
of grace, which is the heart of the New Testament." Heritage Lutheran Church, in
keeping with its Lutheran roots and confessions, therefore administers three sacraments,
Baptism, the Lord's Supper (Communion), and absolution.
For more information on any of these sacraments, click on its link (above). The
complete text of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession is available by
clicking on its link above. |
