The Sacraments are Signs & Seals

WCF 27:1 “Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace.” (Rom. 4:11). Augustine: “a sacred sign.”

“A sacrament is a visible sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace, instituted by God to display Christ in His suffering and death to believers, and to seal them that they are partakers of Christ and His merits.” Wilhelmus a Brakel

I: THE SACRAMENTS ARE SIGNS
A: Miracles as Signs

Exodus 3:12

John 3:2

B: Covenant Signs

Exodus 31:13

Matthew 26:26-28

C: A Sign to God

Genesis 9:13-16

Emphasized in the Passover

Exodus 12:13, 23

II: THE SACRAMENTS ARE SEALS
A: Signs must point to something true.

A seal authenticates or confirms something. A sign is only effective if it points to something real – it must have a seal of authenticity.

B: The Question of timing: What comes first? The Sign or the Reality?

Conclusion: As signs & seals, the sacraments are means of grace.