Two sacraments: Baptism and Lord's Supper; real presence; infant baptism; closed communion
WELS teaches that there are two sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. A sacrament is a sacred act established by Christ that includes a visible sign, the Word of God, and the promise of divine grace. Through the sacraments, God gives grace to believers. The efficacy comes from God's Word and promise, not from the faith or worthiness of the administrator or participant.
Baptism, performed with water and the Word of God in the name of the Trinity, effects the forgiveness of sins, gives the Holy Spirit, and accomplishes rebirth. Infants are baptized and regenerated through baptism; they can believe by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the sacrament. Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.
The Lord's Supper celebrates the real, bodily presence of Christ. WELS teaches sacramental union (the body and blood of Christ are truly present with the bread and wine). The Lord's Supper is a means of grace, forgiveness, and strengthening. WELS practices closed communion: only baptized members in doctrine and practice may commune, typically only confessing members of WELS congregations. This strict practice reflects WELS's confessional discipline and emphasis on doctrinal agreement.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- sacraments (not ordinances)
- Sacrament count:
- two: Baptism and Lord's Supper
- Baptism mode:
- sprinkling, pouring, or immersion; all are valid
- Baptism recipients:
- infants and adults; baptism regenerates and gives faith
- Eucharist presence:
- real presence (sacramental union); not transubstantiation or symbolism
Scripture References
Sources
- Book of Concord: Augsburg Confession, Articles IX (Baptism) and X (The Supper); Small Catechism
- WELS doctrine and practice on the sacraments and church fellowship