Sacraments
Becoming a Member
Content Here
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.”
1 John 5: 7–8
The New Apostolic Church celebrates three sacraments: Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, and Holy Sealing. Receiving the three sacraments opens up the possibility for being united with the Lord at the return of Christ.
Sacraments are fundamental acts of God's grace which make the love of God visible. In these holy acts that are performed upon a believer by a human being, God gives His salvation.
Holy Baptism
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
Matthew 28:19
Through Holy Baptism with water, we begin a new relationship with God, renouncing Satan and surrendering ourselves to God. Those baptized are incorporated into the church of Christ, thereby becoming a Christian. God washes away the effects of original sin, remoteness from Him, and we are raised to a new life through Christ, affecting our entire being and allowing us to become the person that God created us to be. Holy Baptism is not a figurative or symbolic action, but rather a real act of God's loving care through which the way to eternal fellowship with God is opened.
Baptism is performed with water and dispensed in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptisms that have been performed in this manner (rite) in other denominations are recognized by the New Apostolic Church. The New Testament indicates that the blessings of God should also be made accessible to children (Mark 10: 14). Therefore, the New Apostolic Church encourages the baptism of children. When children are baptized, the parents assume the responsibility of raising them in accordance with the gospel until the children themselves can make their declaration of belief at their confirmation.
For more information on the sacrament of Holy Baptism, see the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church (CNAC) section 8.1
Holy Sealing
...for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
Acts 1:5
Holy Sealing is the sacrament through which God Himself shares His nature and life: through the laying on of hands of an apostle, the believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. The prerequisites for Holy Sealing are belief in the triune God, proper baptism with water, as well as belief in the apostles sent by Jesus Christ.
This baptism with the Spirit completes the rebirth that was begun in Holy Baptism and makes us into a new creation. Through this rebirth, we enter into childhood in God, which means we recognize and accept God's call for our lives, receive the sacraments, believe in the gospel, and orient our lives to the return of Christ.
For more information on the sacrament of Holy Sealing, see the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church (CNAC) section 8.3
Holy Communion
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
Luke 22:19
Holy Communion is the one sacrament that baptised Christians can experience over and over again: it is the central event of the divine service. In Holy Communion, the congregation commemorates the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, professes His resurrection, and looks forward to His return. We celebrate fellowship with the Risen One and with one another. This is how the sacrament imparts the nature and strength of the Son of God.
Christians baptized in the name of the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and who profess Christ as their Lord and Redeemer, are invited to partake in Holy Communion. Those who regularly participate in it in the New Apostolic Church also profess their faith in the apostles of Jesus who are active today.
For more information on the sacrament of Holy Communion, see the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church (CNAC) section 8.2
