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Lutheranism |
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The Lutheran sacraments are "sacred acts of divine institution".[1] They are also defined as “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.”.[2]
Lutherans believe that, whenever they are properly administered by the use of the physical component commanded by God along with the divine words of institution, God is, in a way specific to each sacrament, present with the Word and physical component.[1] They teach that God earnestly offers to all who receive the sacrament forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation.[1] They teach that God also works in the recipients to get them to accept these blessings and to increase the assurance of their possession.[1]