Lord's Day 25 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 25:

Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:26-32; Genesis 17:1-14; Colossians 2:11-12

Question 65. Since, then, faith alone makes us share in Christ and all his blessings, where does that faith come from?
Answer. The Holy Spirit creates it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.

Question 66. What are the sacraments?
Answer. They are visible, holy signs and seals instituted by God so that by their use God may make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and put the divine seal on that promise; namely to grant us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, by grace alone, because of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.

Question 67. Are both the Word and the sacraments intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
Answer. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us, and through the holy sacraments assures us, that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.

Question 68. How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?
Answer. Two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.

For reflection and study:
Why does the Roman Catholic church have seven sacraments and the HC states there are only two?
What are the connections between Old Testament sacraments and New testament sacraments?