Sacraments

The term sacrament (Latin sacramentum, used to translate the Greek mysterion, 'mystery') in Christian theology refers to the ordained rites that Christ instituted to signify and convey the grace of the gospel through visible signs. The classic Augustinian definition — 'a visible sign of an invisible grace' — has shaped Western discussion. Protestant traditions generally recognize two sacraments explicitly instituted by Christ: baptism (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4) and the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). The Roman Catholic Church recognizes seven — baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony — each held to confer grace ex opere operato (by virtue of the rite's performance). Eastern Orthodoxy also recognizes seven mysteries.

The major Protestant divisions over sacraments concern the nature of Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper and the efficacy of baptism. Lutheran theology affirms the real bodily presence of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. Reformed theology holds that Christ is truly present in the Supper spiritually, received by faith, and that the elements are signs and seals of the covenant. Zwinglian and Baptist traditions understand the Supper as a memorial and ordinance of remembrance. All traditions agree that the sacraments require faith to be received beneficially, and that they function as means of grace within the community of faith rather than as automatic operations. Paul's 1 Corinthians 10-11 provides the NT's most sustained reflection on the Lord's Supper, addressing both its deep communion with Christ and the serious consequences of partaking unworthily.