Sacraments

Sacrament / Ordinance
RELATED TOPICS	Roman Catholicism: Sacraments Eastern Orthodoxy - Mysteries Protestantism: Sacraments Living as a Christian
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A sacrament is a Christian practice that signifies or effectuates the grace of God. These practices are generally understood to have been instituted (or commanded) by Jesus Christ. In some churches the term is referred to as an ordinance. In the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism and some forms of Anglicanism it is taught that sacraments are not only symbolic but also a means by which God communicates his grace. Most other Protestant churches hold that sacraments are purely symbolic signs of an inward change.

Origin of the word

The latin word sacramentum (holy sign) was used in secular latin for the military oath of allegiance. Its religious usage was introduced by Augustine. In his latin translation of the Bible, the Vulgata, Jerome translated the Greek word mysterion partially with sacramentum, partially with mysterium.

Different views

In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches it is taught that there are seven sacraments. These sacraments are

• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Confession
• Eucharist
• Matrimony
• Ordination
• Anointing of the sick

In Eastern Orthodoxy baptism and confirmation are administered together.

In most Protestant churches, including the Lutheran, Anglican and Baptist churches, it is taught that there are two sacraments. These are

• Baptism
• Holy Communion (also called the Lord's supper or the Eucharist)

Additionally, in Anglicanism, the other five five sacraments of the Catholic and Orthodox traditions are mentioned in the 39 Articles, although they are not counted as "Sacraments of the Gospel".

In a few Protestant churches, it is taught that Jesus instituted three ordinances. These are:

• Baptism
• The Lord's supper
• Foot-washing

Links

• Wikipedia - Sacrament

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