TOPIC

Introduction
9: SACRAMENTS
• A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of God’s grace.
• Its an outward visible act of faith which carries inward and spiritual
grace.
• Sacrament is a ceremony intended to impart divine grace as instituted
by Jesus Christ the head of Christian Church to be observed by his
followers.
• According to Rev J.G Gatu, sacraments have three aspects:
• Past- they remind us the work of Christ at the cross
• Present- they impart the grace of God
• Future- they are a seal, an assurance of eternal life
• Sacraments affirm the promises of God and strengthens our weak faith.
They are a confirmation of a divine favor confirmed to us with an
external sign. The PCEA celebrates two sacraments: Baptism and Holy
Communion.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 177
•Sacraments are used to describe the sacred rights of the
Church and to pledge our loyalty to Jesus Christ
•Sacraments are to be observed in respect and fear of the
LORD through repentance
•There are many sacraments (Catholic church has 7:
Baptism, Eucharist/Holycommunion, Confirmation,
Reconcilliation, Anoiniting of the sick, Marriage, Holy
Orders) but in the Presbyterian Church we observe only
two sacraments:-
1. Baptism
2. Holy Communion/Lord’s Supper/Eucharist
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 178
 1. Baptism
Definition
• Baptism is a sacrament in which one is washed in the Name of the Father, the Son and
the Holy Spirit to signify our union with Christ and partaking of the benefits of the
covenant of grace. In Baptism, one becomes a legitimate member of the Body of Christ.
Just like circumcision, it’s a symbol of belonging to a particular community. Therefore,
baptism is:
• A symbol of initiation in to the Church through Christ. One becomes a member of God’s
family and they can participate in the life of that family including ministry. (Galatians
3:27,28)
• It signifies receiving the Holy Spirit. In the scripture, there is a connection between
baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit. There are some instances where this does not
happen at the moment of baptism, others where the Spirit precedes baptism, and
others where there was laying of hand (Acts 8). In all these cases, baptism is a seal of
the Holy Spirit. It means that one is born unto God and is bound with the sanctifying
power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
• It is a guarantee of God’s present and future reign. It is a foretaste of the complete reign
of God that is to come.
• What makes the act of baptism powerful and different from ordinary shower is the fact
that the minister does it ‘in the Name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. The
presence of the trinity gives it an impact and makes it effective.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 179
 Mode of Baptism
• There have been questions regarding the correct mode or method of baptism between
immersion or sprinkling. The Pentecostal Churches insist on immersion while the
mainstream churches practice sprinkling. Both are right for they are all taught in the
Bible.
• Immersion: For immersion, the widely quoted scripture is that of Jesus’ baptism. He
was dipped into the river. But even in this particular case, we must highlight that the
rivers in Israel are shallow so immersion is not an automatic mode. Thus, immersion in
the baptism of Jesus is implied not expressed. Again the phrase ‘coming up out of
water’ in the baptism of Jesus (Mark1:10) and that of the Ethiopian Eunuch has been
used to validate immersion. But, the actual baptism itself here is a totally separate act
form going or coming out of the water. Going into water or coming down is different
from going under water. Baptism examples: Acts 16:33, John 3:23, Acts 8:36-38
• Sprinkling: Sprinkling is inferred from the practice of the Apostles. For example in Acts
10, Cornelius and his house were baptized. Other examples are in Acts 16: 14- 15; 31-
33. It does not indicated where the baptism was conducted but most likely in the house
where they were listening to the word of God. In the house, immersion was not
possible. This is similar to what Paul did to the Jailer’s Household. Furthermore what is
most significant is the faith accompanying the act itself not the mode.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 180
• John the Baptist instituted by dipping in water. He first preached the Word then after
repentance people were baptized.
• He baptized Jesus Christ in River Jordan – Matthew 3:13-17
• The Bible does not say exactly how old Jesus was when He got baptized but Luke 3:21-23 gives
the crossest age of around 30years, after which He begun His ministry.
• This sacrament is a command by Christ to Christian in Mathew 28:19, “make disciples of all
nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit”
• Baptism has a symbolic meaning of union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
Romans 6:3 – 4.
NB:
• We die to sin and raise up to new life with Jesus Christ
• Water in baptism is an evident symbol of washing and cleansing from sin and also death and
resurrection with Jesus Christ.
Subjects of Baptism
• Baptism should be done to those people who give a believable profession of faith in Jesus
Christ. This is because baptism which is a symbol of beginning a Christian life should only be
given to those who have actually begun Christian life
• Baptism is also administered to infants of believing parents in the argument that they will
become part of the covenant community.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 181
 Should Children be Baptized?
• Yes they should. There are two main reasons why we baptize.
• First, when God called Abraham into a covenant He told him that the sign of their covenant shall be circumcision.
On the eight day after birth, any boy born into Abrahams household and that of his descendants should be
circumcised. This mark was made on infant boy by divine institution. It did not matter whether the child was
aware of what was being done. So long as the child was born into the covenant community, the child was
circumcised. Therefore, the onus to circumcise the child lay with the parent not the baby. Baptism in the New
Testament is the equivalent to circumcision in the Old Testament. In the New Covenant, baptism is the sign of
becoming a member of the covenant community.
• Since the child is not aware of this act and the vows are taken on its behalf by the parents, it is expected that at
twelve years of age (12) ,as a young adult, those vows will confirmed. They then attend catechism classes where
at the end the minister and elders lay hands on them. They are then admitted to the Roll of Holy Communion and
become full members of the church.
• Further, in the New Testament there are household baptisms. The definition of a household included all the
members of that family. In the New Testament times a household included even slaves and their families. The
Book of Acts is full of examples of such. Acts 16:25ff is the story of Paul and Silas. After the rescue from the jail,
they went to the Jailers house. They preached to the entire household and when they believed they were
baptized (vs.33.). Since the Apostles practiced infant baptism, we do it too.
• By Jesus proclaiming that “the kingdom belongs to such as these” (Matt. 19.14) it indicates that children are
included among the redeemed people of God. Although membership is through baptism, it is not restricted to
age. Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 182
Baptism is reserved for those who:-
1. Personally and willingly respond to call of salvation
2. Have received the Word. Matthew 28:20
3. Have received the Holy Spirit. ACTS 10:47
4. Have believed
Baptism means from old to new life
Water signifies washing away of sin while going down the water signifies dying to
old sinful life into a new life and a new master
You repent then believe in God and the you are baptized
Baptism is only done once

Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 183

 SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM …(old notes manual pg8)
1. Symbolizes that a person has participation in the death (sin) and
resurrection with Christ in righteousness
2. It’s a sign of birth into Christian family ROMANS 6:3
3. Its an identification with Christ COLLOSIANS 2:12
4. Its an open and public confession of the Lordship of Christ. ROMANS 10:9
5. Its an identification with the local assembly – Church and the body of Christ
– universal fellowship of believers ACTS 16:33
6. A sign of covenant between God and man
7. Forgiveness and purification of inner conscience
8. Regeneration
9. A sign of God’s promise to us
Children are received into the covenant of grace when they are admitted into
the family of the Church. The parents’ faith is very important in infant baptism
ACTS 2:39
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 184
 Agreed, I am not opposed to baptism but I want my child dedicated!
• This has been the request by many parents in the recent past. Dedication is done in a
special church service where all children are brought to the altar and the minister
declares a blessing on them, usually by laying hands on them. This practice has
Pentecostal influences and as Presbyterians, we do not practice it. Dedication is mostly
practiced by those opposed to infant baptism.
• Those against baptizing children argue that only believers should be baptized. That
only those who are converted and can make conscious decisions to profess faith should
be baptized. They mostly cite Mark 16.16 and they only interpret baptism as a way of
receiving the Holy Spirit but not as an avenue for joining the covenant community.
Children have a right to be baptized and anyone who does not baptize them denies
them the benefits of the covenant.
• Further, in the process of baptism, the infant is first dedicated, and then water is
poured on the face of the baby, a sign of the cross made and a blessing declared on the
baby. As such, dedication is one half of the process of baptism. So why go for half the
process when you can have the whole? This is especially so when the sign of the cross
is made. That act becomes a sacrament - an eternal sign of God’s grace in the baby’s
life.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 185
 2. Holy Communion
• There are many terms and phrases used to describe Holy Communion. Some
refer to it as the Lord’s Table or the Eucharist while others simply call it the
sacrament. All these refer to one thing. This sacrament involves partaking of the
bread and wine symbolically to represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. In
theological terms, bread and wine are referred to as ‘elements’. The Lord’s
Supper is “a sacrament in which by giving and receiving bread and wine according
to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth and believers are by faith
made partakers of His body and blood with all his benefits to their spiritual
nourishment and growth in grace”. By partaking in the Holy Communion, we
participate in and re-enact the death of Jesus Christ. We should take the Holy
Communion by faith, in faith and for faith.
• There are many questions raised in regard to the Holy Communion. How often
can we have it? Can anyone partake of the Holy Communion? Who should
celebrate Holy Communion? We will address these questions below.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 186
• This is the breaking of bread and sharing of wine together by believers in
commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ for the sake of our sins as
instituted by Him in the night of betrayal in Mathew 26:17 – 29.
• This sacrament is to be observed in the Church until the end of ages.
• It is a visible expression of the church gratitude (thanksgiving) to Christ as
Saviour and Lord
Meaning of Lord’s supper
• As we partake the Lord’s Supper we proclaim Christ’s death. Bread breaking
symbolizes breaking the Lord’s body and pouring out wine symbolizes the
pouring of His blood
• Communion means Common- sharing, Union – unity. Sharing in unity
• It represents our union with the Sustainer of our spiritual life
• In PCEA its taken by Communicants (full members)
• As the Jews used to sacrifice animals Jesus gave Himself on the cross to become
sufficient sacrifice once and for all for the sins of the whole world
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 187
 Elements of the Holy Communion
1. Bread – represents the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ
2. Wine – represents the Blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ

How Often Can We Have Holy Communion?

The Bible is silent on the frequency of the sacrament. The
early church seems to have celebrated it every time they met.
There is no specified time even in the Practice and Procedure
Manual. Thus, the frequency of having communion is
entrusted to the Parish minister. However according to
tradition, if you skip Holy Communion for more than one year
you are struck from the Roll of Holy Communion.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 188
Can Anyone Partake of the Holy Communion?
• Many times there have been affirmations that only those born again should
partake. This argument is very valid. How do you participate in the remembering
the event that brought salvation yet you are not born again? This amounts to
what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:27 that “whoever, therefore, eats the bread or
drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the
body and blood of the Lord”. However, Paul responds to this concern by saying
that “…anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks
judgment on himself” (1 Corinthians 11. 29). So, anyone who desires to
participate in the Holy Communion and is not born again should be allowed but
he should be reminded that he is taking judgment upon himself. Restraining them
might be viewed as punitive and harsh and indeed it is. But insisting that only the
born again should participate, acts as a reminder that partaking is an “unworthy
manner” and is taking judgment upon self. This way, the Holy Communion
becomes a tool for evangelism. For them (those not born again) to partake of the
Holy Communion in a worthy manner, they should be invited to salvation.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 189
• Further, is there an age limit? In the PCEA it is at twelve years of age that one is allowed
to partake in the Holy Communion. This is a process called confirmation. The vows
taken for you by your parents at infant baptism or during baptism as an adult are
confirmed at this stage. Here, it is presumed that you have “the ability to examine
yourself” as Paul counsels in 1 Corinthians 11. 28. Holy Communion requires active
participation and therefore, an age where one can comprehend simple concepts is
necessary.
• Lastly, there are some cases where one in a married couple -usually the husband - is
not allowed to partake in the Holy Communion. This is usually because they have not
solemnized their marriage; they are cohabiting with their spouse. Why is it so yet Jesus
or the Apostles after him do not give such a requirement?
• Indeed, the only requirement is faith. However, only the full members take the Holy
Communion and one of requirements of a full member is solemnizing your marriage. If
you cohabit, then you cease being a full member. The church considers solemnizing the
marriage very important because you receive priestly blessing. Further, when you stand
on the altar on your wedding day, that union becomes a covenant before God which He
honors. Therefore because the church recognizes the benefit of solemnizing marriage, it
has instituted abstinence from the Holy Communion as a motivation.
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 190
 Who Should Celebrate the Holy Communion?
• In modern times when there have been many mushrooming churches, questions have
been raised as to who should celebrate the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion
should be celebrated by an ordained minister. This is not because the Minister is
second to God, but mainly for two reasons. First, designated official ensures order and
discipline. Secondly, Hebrews 5:4 teaches that “no one takes this honor for himself, but
only when called by God, just as Aaron was”. Thus, celebrating the Holy Communion is
an honor to the one officiating and only those ordained into priesthood like Aaron can
do it.
What does God do for us in the Lord’s Supper? (What are the benefits?)
In the Lord’s Suppers, God:
• Gives us Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life
• Forgives our sins
• Unites us with Christ
• Unites us with one another as members of His body
What Should we as Christians Do in the Lord’s Supper?
• As we celebrate the Lord’s Table a Christian should:
• Give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross
• Proclaim passion and death
• Offer ourselves a new to the father through Jesus
• Anticipate the perfect fellowship in the
Ev. S.Heavenly feastPARISH
Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH though Christ 191
How do we receive the Holy Communion
•We should receive the bread (body) and wine (blood)
of Christ trusting in God’s promises and grace,
repenting our sins, forgiving others and loving them
•If taken in unworthy manner it can result to sickness
and even to death. Therefore one need to examine
him/herself before partaking in the Holy Communion
•Holy communion is observed as many times as
possible not as baptism which is done once.

Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 192

TOPIC 9 QUESTIONS: SACRAMENTS
• What is a Sacrament?
• Give Sacraments observed in the PCEA Church
• What is Baptism?
• Give at least 5 significances of Baptism?
• How many times should one be baptized?
• What is Holy Communion?
• What is the purpose of Holy Communion?
• Give the Elements of the Holy Communion and explain what each of
them represent
• What are the benefits that God gives us in the Lord’s Supper?
• What Should we as Christians do in the Lord’s Supper?
Ev. S. Munyi, PCEA EASTLEIGH PARISH 193