Synopsis

This course on sacramental theology offers a profound exploration of key rites in Christian life, delving into baptism and the Lord’s Supper as central acts of faith and divine encounter. The lectures begin with an examination of the theology of mediation, where sacraments are seen as God’s means of grace—points of contact between the divine and human realms. Building on this foundation, the series examines how different theological traditions, such as those of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Wesley, interpret these rites, emphasizing their role in bridging God’s promises to the faithful through tangible signs and acts.

The discussion on baptism highlights its biblical, theological, and ecclesiological dimensions. Baptism is presented as the initiatory rite of the Christian faith, symbolizing repentance, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and incorporation into the body of Christ. Through an exploration of scriptural texts and church traditions, the lectures consider baptism’s unifying role in the church and its transformative power in the life of believers. Furthermore, it reflects on the debates around infant and adult baptism, the validity of different practices, and baptism’s enduring significance as a mark of salvation and new life in Christ.

Turning to the Lord’s Supper, the lectures delve into its role as a continuing means of grace and a profound act of communion with Christ. Central themes include the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the theological disputes among Protestant traditions, and the sacrament’s eschatological significance as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. By connecting sacramental practice to the incarnation and resurrection, the series underscores the Eucharist as a powerful manifestation of the gospel in physical form, nourishing the faith and unity of the church.

Biodata

Rev Dr Samuel Wang is an ordained minister of the Lutheran Church in Singapore. Prior to joining TTC he worked as a history teacher and subsequently as a pastor in the Lutheran Church in Singapore. He has pastored two Lutheran churches before pursuing his doctoral studies at Australian Lutheran College in Adelaide, Australia (2013-2016). He is assigned by the Lutheran Church in Singapore for the ministry of theological education in TTC and is currently attached to Bedok Lutheran Church.