Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheranism and Protestantism denominations have for so long used baptism and communion as sacraments in the celebration of Eucharist. They believe bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and, priest, the instrumentalist. However, different negative and positive views regarding the two sacraments have emerged over the years. Scottish Protestants, among other denominations aligned with Christianity, have supported the idea that the only two necessary sacraments are baptism and communion, while article with negative analytical views deny it. One of the articles with a positive analytical view states that Lord Jesus instituted baptism and Holy Communion. Therefore, it is a commandment for all Christians to follow (Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 2023).
Additionally, Presbyterian Heritage Publications (PHP) mention that in 1560, Scotland Protestants argued that Christians acknowledge baptism and communion as the two only spiritual tools instituted by God to make the visible difference between his believers and non-believers. They believed that taking sacraments was also a way to exercise Christian faith and to strengthen the union between Christians, to seal the assurance of God’s promises and to strengthen the union between believers and Christ Jesus (PHP, 1993). Therefore, Christians treasure baptism and communion sacrifices to identify themselves as Christians and to show their commitment to God’s promises and doctrines.
Thirdly, the Presysbetrian History Publications (PHP) article informs that Scottish Protestants disputed comments arguing that the two sacraments are nothing but naked and bare signs. They believe baptism and communion are the two only sacraments with a biblical basis and engrafted in Christ Jesus, who forgives and pardons sins amongst Christians (PHP, 1993). Therefore, Christians should strongly believe that participating in sacrament celebrations gives them the opportunity to enjoy Christ’s justice when they sin because they are his loyal disciples. The protestant’s defense also adds that Christians remain glorified in heaven and acquire immortality on earth when they are baptized and consume bread and communion as the blood and body of Christ Jesus (PHP, 1993).
Besides the Scottish protestants believe that baptism and communion are the two only sacraments with biblical basis and engrafted in Christ Jesus, the United Church of Canada also mentions that participating in baptism and communion are the only valid ways with biblical bases that Christians can remember Christ Jesus, who suffered for their sins (UCC, 2023). They cite a bible verse in Luke 22 vs. 19, which states, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Therefore, Christians have to acknowledge the term remembrance as a commandment for Christians to abide by, to honor Christ’s wishes and show gratitude for his suffering on the cross.
In addition, the Scottish defensively argued that the administration of only the two sacraments can confirm that a church is the true house of God and its congregation believes, confesses and vows to be acknowledged as the church of God (PHP, 2023). They further argue that participating in the celebration of the sacraments is a way of recognizing their body as the church of God and sealing their hearts (PHP, 2023). Most importantly, the two sacraments are arguably the most essential and valued sacraments based on this Scottish argument because Scottish protestants believed that a true church of God has Christians who hold similar beliefs towards baptism and communion. They do not expect anyone in the congregation to deviate from the belief that their body represents God’s temple. They have to behave like Christ Jesus to show obedience to receive God’s blessings.
Lastly, the two sacraments allow Christians to confess to God and affirm their faithfulness in him. The Scottish confession of faith defensively argued that the power and virtue of sacraments strengthen and validate Christian confession to faithfulness to God’s teachings. Besides, the right use of the Lord’s Table has such conjunction with Christ Jesus (PHP, 1993). However, Christians participating in the sacrament celebration are expected to distinguish between Christ Jesus in his natural state and elements in the sacramental signs, so they do not worship the signs in place of Christ Jesus (Scottishhistorysociety.com, 2023). The Scottish also chose to flee the Papistical church because they believed ministers who offered the sacraments were non-believers. The sacraments are also men’s inventions.
Conclusions
In summary, the Scottish confession of faith defensively argued that God commanded the two sacraments, they have a biblical basis, Christians benefit from Christ’s justice to forgive and remit sins, forms a union between believers and Christ Jesus, and allow Christians to identify themselves as the true church of God. They made these arguments to support and emphasize the idea that the only two sacraments to celebrate the Eucharist are baptism and communion.
References
PHP. (1993). The Scottish Confession of Faith. Scottish Confession of Faith (1560). https://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ScotConf.htm#CH21
SHS. (2023). The society. The Scottish History Society. https://scottishhistorysociety.com/the-scottish-reformation-c-1525-1560/
UCC. (2023). What makes us Protestant: Why just two sacraments?. Go to United Church of Canada Front page. https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/what-makes-us-protestant-why-just-two-sacraments#:~:text=lack%20grace%20or%20that%20there,Christ%20himself%20in%20the%20Bible.
write