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To: topcat54; Kolokotronis; Forest Keeper; HarleyD; Alex Murphy; Gamecock; Frumanchu; Blogger
The Reformed believe that the sacraments are a real means of grace in that they truly and physically represent God’s salvation to us.

As a Baptist we have communion in remembrance of our Saviour's sacrifice for us at Calvary. It is symbolic and does not impart Grace. If the Reformed believe communion imparts Grace this is an area where we differ.

The Reformed do not hold to a Roman Catholic concept of grace, which appears to be the presupposition behind these questions.

I don't mean to come across as being snippy. It seems straight forward though, Communion and Baptism either are symbolic acts or they impart Grace to a believer.

14,120 posted on 05/07/2007 10:46:07 AM PDT by wmfights (LUKE 9:49-50 , MARK 9:38-41)
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To: wmfights; Kolokotronis; Forest Keeper; HarleyD; Alex Murphy; Gamecock; Frumanchu; Blogger
I don't mean to come across as being snippy. It seems straight forward though, Communion and Baptism either are symbolic acts or they impart Grace to a believer.

If there were only two views, than you would be correct. I believe the Reformed view provides the via media between two extreme views; memorialist vs. infusionist.

The Roman view is not that the sacraments impart grace to the believer, but rather that it infuses grace into the believer. You may not see the difference between Reformed and Romanism, but there is one.

I suggest you locate a good study of the Reformation esp. wrt the Lutheran, Zwinglian, and Reformed/Calvinistic positions on the sacraments, all of which are non-Roman Catholic. Calvin has an extensive treatment of the subject in his Institutes.

14,124 posted on 05/07/2007 10:58:15 AM PDT by topcat54 ("... knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:3))
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