The Sacraments: Who Exactly Has Them - and What Exactly Do They Have?

Abstract

This essay examines the validity of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in non-Lutheran churches, particularly among Reformed traditions. Bivens outlines the Lutheran understanding of Sacraments as divinely instituted rites combining God’s Word with earthly elements to convey grace. He distinguishes between the Word’s form and meaning, arguing that correct terminology alone does not ensure a valid Sacrament if the intended meaning is altered. While Reformed churches may retain valid Baptism due to their adherence to Trinitarian doctrine, they lack the Lord’s Supper because they reinterpret Christ’s words and deny the Real Presence. Bivens also addresses challenges in applying doctrinal principles amid pluralism, minimalism, and ambiguity in modern church bodies. He concludes by affirming the blessings of valid Sacraments—chiefly the forgiveness of sins—and urges their faithful use, emphasizing that spiritual benefits require faith and proper reception. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)