The Sacraments Matter…
Bleyenberg emphasizes the theological and spiritual importance of the sacraments as means of grace, using the 1857 secession of Dutch Reformed immigrants from the Reformed Church in America as a historical case study. The article demonstrates how concerns about proper sacramental administration and the corruption of the Lord's Supper—specifically the RCA's practice of open communion—prompted significant ecclesiastical reformation and shaped the identity of Dutch Reformed churches in America.
How precious are the sacraments to the people of God! We confess in Lord's Day 25 of the Heidelberg Catechism that the sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals used by God to declare and seal unto us the promise of the gospel -- the free remission of sin and life eternal -- for the sake of the one sacrifice of Christ. Does your heart wax warm when you meditate upon the forgiveness of all your sins and the life that awaits you in heaven? Then your heart will wax warm as you meditate upon the...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org