Bible Readings:
Genesis 17
Psalm 32
Romans 4:1 – 12
Sermon Outline:
Romans 4:5–12 (NKJV)
5But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
6just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
7“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;
8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”
9Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
10How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,
12and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
Westminster Shorter Catechism – Q. 92. What is a sacrament?
A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
Westminster Confession of Fatith, Chatper VII, of God’s Covenant with Man
VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substancen was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s supper; which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fulness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles;q and is called the New Testament. There are not therefore two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations.