Two sacraments; infant baptism; spiritual presence; open communion increasingly common
The RCA affirms two sacraments (also called ordinances): baptism and the Lord's Supper. These are means of grace—signs and seals of God's promises—and effects of grace are not separated from the signs themselves. Grace is signified and sealed in the sacraments, and believers truly partake of what is signified.
The RCA practices infant baptism (paedobaptism), teaching that the children of believing parents are included in the covenant community and receive the sign and seal of membership. Baptism is performed by sprinkling or pouring. The Lord's Supper is observed as a spiritual meal and sacrifice, with believers partaking spiritually of Christ's body and blood.
Recent decades have seen a shift toward more open communion practices in some RCA congregations, inviting all Christians (not merely RCA members) to the table. This reflects a movement toward greater ecumenical openness but represents a shift from traditional Reformed practice. The RCA is diverse on these matters, with some congregations maintaining strict membership communion and others practicing open table.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- Sacraments (traditional Reformed term)
- Sacrament count:
- Two: baptism and Lord's Supper
- Baptism mode:
- Sprinkling or pouring; immersion not required
- Baptism recipients:
- Believers and their children (paedobaptism)
- Eucharist presence:
- Spiritual presence; Calvin's view
Scripture References
Sources
- Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 65-82
- Belgic Confession Articles XXXII-XXXV