Christian Sacraments SCTR 19 – Religions of the Book Prepared by Sean Hind

What is a Sacrament? Definitions: Latin: sacramentum; Greek: mysterion Rites/rituals performed in/by the Church, to convey God’s “grace” to believers Number of Sacraments? Catholics & Orthodox Christians: seven Most Protestants: only two (Bapt. & Euch.) Aspects of each Sacrament: Effects & Ministers Biblical Basis Central Words & Actions

Types of Sacraments Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Sacraments of Healing: Penance/Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage/Matrimony Holy Orders

Baptism Effects: Gk. baptizo = “dipped/immersed” in water. Becoming a member of Christ’s Church. Having one's sins forgiven. Ministers: Bishops Priests Deacons Anyone! (in case of urgent need)

Central Words & Actions Baptism Words: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Actions: Full immersion in water, or pouring water over head Sprinkling or dabbing? Infants? or only Adults? Other symbols: anointing; candles, white garment

Biblical Basis: Baptism Jesus’ Commands: Matt 28:19 Evangelists’ Theology: John 3:22; 4:1-2 Early Church Practice: Acts 2:38-41; 10:47-48 Etc.

Eucharist Effects: Spiritually nourished by body & blood of Christ. United "in communion" with Christ & community. Gk. Eucharistia = “thanksgiving” prayer Ministers: Bishops Priests

Jesus’ Last Supper: Mark 14:22-25 Matt 26; Luke 22; 1 Cor 11 Gospel Theology: John 6:48-58 Early Xn Practice: Luke 24:35 Acts 2:42; etc. Biblical Basis: Eucharist

Words: Long prayer of “Thanksgiving” Esp. the Words of Institution: “This is my body…” “This is my blood…” Actions: Bread and wine blessed by minister; received/shared by communicants. Central Words & Actions Eucharist

Effects: Strengthened by the Holy Spirit. “Confirmed” in the fullness of Christian faith. Ministers: Bishops Priests (in some cases) Confirmation

Jesus: John 20:22 Apostles: Acts 8:17; 19:6 Acts 10:44-48 Biblical Basis: Confirmation

Words: "(Name), be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Actions: Bishop lays his hands on the head of the confirmed Central Words & Actions Confirmation

Effects: Forgiven of one's sins Reconciled to God Reconciled to others Ministers: Bishops Priests Penance/Reconciliation

Jesus: Forgive! John 20:23 Matt 16:19; 18:18 James: Confess! James 5:16 Biblical Basis Penance/Reconciliation

Words: "I forgive you of all of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" Actions: confesses his sins expresses contrition proposes amendment Central Words & Actions Penance/Reconciliation

Effects: Being strengthened in time of illness. United in prayer with the community. Physically/psychologically healed? Ministers: Bishops Priests Anointing of the Sick

Disciples anoint the sick: Mark 6:7-13 Call elders to pray/anoint: James 5:14-16 Biblical Basis Anointing of the Sick

Words: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." Actions: Anointing sick person’s forehead &hands with blessed oil Central Words & Actions Anointing of the Sick

Effects: United in eyes of God & church. Legally recognized as a couple. Ministers: The couple themselves! Clergy are merely witnesses! Matrimony/Marriage

God creates M & F: Gen 2:24 Jesus vs. Divorce: Mark 10:2-12; Matt 19:1-9 Paul on spousal unity: Eph 5:22-33; 1Cor 7:10-16 Biblical Basis Matrimony/Marriage

Words: "I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband/wife. I promise to be true to you…” Actions: Husband & wife publicly promise fidelity & love. Optional: exchange of rings, lighting of candles, etc. Central Words & Actions Matrimony/Marriage

Effects: Becoming "ordained" clergy, in leadership “orders”: Bishops Priests Deacons Ministers: only Bishops Holy Orders

Jesus chooses Apostles: Mark 3:13-19; etc. Laying on of Hands: Acts 6:6 1 Tim 4:14; 5:22 2 Tim 1:6 Biblical Basis Holy Orders

Words: "Prayer of Consecration” Actions: Laying hands on ordinand’s head Anointing hands with holy oil Several other symbolic gestures Central Words & Actions Holy Orders

Summary Seven Sacraments (Cath.) : Baptism Eucharist Confirmation Penance/Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick Matrimony/Marriage Holy Orders Two Sacraments (Prot.) : Baptism Eucharist