Sacraments/Ordinances

Sacraments/Ordinances

Understanding Sacraments

• A sacrament is a Christian ritual that uses physical objects or actions as symbols to express and strengthen faith.
• The word ‘sacrament’ originates from the Latin term ‘sacramentum’, which translates to ‘a sign of the sacred’.
• Sacraments in Christianity are seen as channels of divine grace, where one can experience God’s saving presence.

Different Churches, Different Sacraments

• Different Christian denominations recognise different numbers of sacraments.
• The Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches acknowledge seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation in Orthodox tradition), Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
• Protestant Churches, including Presbyterian and Methodists, generally recognise two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (also known as Eucharist or Communion).

Baptism

• Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith, and involves the use of water for immersion, pouring, or sprinkling.
• This ritual signifies the cleansing from sin, rebirth in Christ, and incorporation into the Church.
• Within the New Testament, Matthew 28:19 refers to Jesus commanding his disciples to baptise in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Eucharist / The Lord’s Supper / Communion

• The Eucharist, also known as The Lord’s Supper or Communion, involves consuming bread and wine.
• This sacrament commemorates Christ’s Last Supper, during which he identified the bread and wine as his body and blood.
• It symbolises participation in Christ’s sacrifice, remembrance of his death and resurrection, and anticipation of his second coming.
• Sometimes it is known as a ‘sacrament of maintenance’, as it symbolises continuous relationship with Christ and his Church.

Confirmation / Chrismation

• Confirmation (in the Western tradition) or Chrismation (in the Eastern tradition) is a sacrament marking the recipient’s full initiation into the Church.
• It involves the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism, a special type of oil, expressing the seal of the Holy Spirit.
• The name ‘Confirmation’ refers to the strengthening and confirming of faith, while ‘Chrismation’ refers to the anointing aspect.

Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony

• Other sacraments include Reconciliation (confession and forgiveness of sins), Anointing of the Sick (prayer and blessing for healing), Holy Orders (ordination into Church leadership), and Matrimony (Christian union in marriage).

Through these various sacraments, Christians express and deepen their faith, participate in the Christian community, and celebrate important life transitions.