Sacraments are sacred ordinances instituted by Christ that visibly symbolize spiritual realities. In Protestant theology, the two ordinances commonly recognized are baptism and the Lord’s Supper because they were directly commanded by Jesus in Scripture. These practices do not save a person, but they serve as outward signs that point to inward spiritual truths.

In this article, Kevin Hay explains how baptism doesn’t save us, but shows that we’ve been saved. It’s the God-given sign that we have died with Christ and now walk in newness of life.