Sacraments in Scripture: Salvation History Made Present is a Bible study on the seven Sacraments, prefigured in the Old Testament and instituted by Jesus Christ in the New.
Following the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Sacred Scripture, Timothy Gray delves into the biblical origin for each of these masterpieces of God’s love. In this Scripture study, Gray guides readers through the Gospels, showing Christ’s deliberate acts to inaugurate these sacred signs as the foundation of the New Covenant. With review questions at the end of each chapter, this study is ideal for both group and individual study, and is perfect for learning how to answer contemporary objections to the Sacraments.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
This volume is part of the Catholic Church and Ecclesiology Collection (6 vols.).
“That is what is so unique about the sacraments; they have the God-given power to actually effect what they signify.” (Page 19)
“The Old Testament sacraments were signs, but they were not efficacious.” (Page 20)
“If the sacraments of the New are no more powerful than those of the Old, what difference did Jesus make?” (Page 22)
“Catechism teaches us about the sacraments and the liturgy (the channels of God’s grace) before teaching us about the moral life. There is wisdom in the ordering of the four pillars of the Catechism. First comes the Creed (Pillar I), for we must start with faith in God. Then comes God’s action in the sacraments and the liturgy (Pillar II), which enables us to live the life of Christ (Pillar III). Then we can pray as God’s children (Pillar IV). Grace must come before action, the sacraments before morality.” (Page 27)
“Only with the power of the Holy Spirit can we follow Jesus. What makes us ‘Christian’ is the fact that we possess the anointing of the Holy Spirit, given to us in our Baptism and completed in the Sacrament of Confirmation, when we are anointed with oil by the bishop. We are ‘Christians’ because we are literally ‘anointed ones.’” (Pages 46–47)
This fine little book will open to you the ancient meaning of the Sacraments which the Church has kept alive to this day. In the Sacraments Christ himself ministers to us through the Church. This book will be an excellent antidote to watered-down versions of sacramental theology.
—Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR
No doubt, you will leave Sacraments in Scripture—as I did—empowered for a richer experience of the liturgy. But, as time goes on, you’ll notice something more. After reading this book, your experience of the Sacraments will, in turn, empower you for a richer reading of the Scriptures.
—Scott Hahn, professor of theology and Scripture, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Sacraments in Scripture is an excellent tool for deepening one’s understanding of the mystery of Christ’s abiding presence with us through the Sacraments. . . . I commend this book for the catechesis of young people and adults. It is an excellent tool for studying an essential part of the Church’s teaching on the Sacraments.
—Most Rev. Raymond L. Burke, bishop of La Crosse