Reconnecting with the Sacraments

Baptism: Demonstrated by John the Baptist and commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission. Practiced by Peter (Acts 2:41) and others in the early church. New Testament baptism (regardless of method) was the initial act of turning from sin (and accepting Grace). Sometimes baptism is preceded by the presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:47). In the Roman Catholic tradition baptism has the effect of the “remission of all sin, original and actual; likewise of all punishment which is due for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for past sins is enjoined upon those who are baptized; and if they die before they commit any sin, they attain immediately to the kingdom of heaven and the vision of God” (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Baptism). Baptism, in some fashion, is practiced is all Christian churches. All Christians may affirm obedience to Christ and community with him through baptism.

Confirmation: Reception of the Holy Spirit. Usually done by the laying on of hands and prayer by a believer in the Acts of the Apostles. The result is immediate evidence of the Holy Spirit. The exact form of such evidence is unclear (and for this we might be thankful because form often replaces function). The bestowal of the Holy Spirit is demonstrated by Peter and John in Acts 8:14-17 and again by Peter with Cornelius in 10:44-48. The Acts of the Apostles outlines cases in which baptism and being filled by the Holy Spirit are two separate events. In the Roman Catholic tradition confirmation of the Holy Spirit typically occurs after catechism for those already baptized in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Confirmation). All Christians may share their faith in communion with Holy Spirit who makes this possible.

Holy Eucharist (Communion): The taking of bread and wine in the manner Christ commanded in the Gospels, often referred to as the Lord’s Supper. In the Roman Catholic tradition Communion it is the partaking of bread and wine in accordance with Christ’s admonishment and literally imparts grace. "An outward sign of an inward grace instituted by Christ" (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Holy Eucharist). All Christians may join Christ in his last supper and the community of Saints in keeping an eternal remembrance of Christ until his return.

Penance (Confession). The forgiveness of sin as demonstrated by Jesus and the Apostles, usually accompanying healing. An admonition of Jesus as recorded in Mark 20:23 when he appeared to his disciples after the resurrection (also associated with Jesus’ words to Peter regarding the Keys to the Kingdom in Matthew 18:18). In the Roman Catholic tradition penance is a sacrament instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sin committed after baptism is granted through absolution to those who truly and sorrowfully confess their sins and promise to change. “No Catholic believes that a priest simply as an individual man, however pious or learned, has power to forgive sins. This power belongs to God alone” (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Penance). All Christians are encouraged by another’s assurance of Christ’s absolution of guilt and sin for those of a contrite heart.

Extreme Unction (Healing). The dismissal of evil spirits and the healing of the physical body as demonstrated by Jesus and the Apostles throughout the New Testament, often accompanied by a proclamation of the forgiveness of sin. In the Roman Catholic tradition Extreme Unction is a sacrament instituted by Christ to give spiritual aid and comfort and perfect spiritual health, including, if need be, the remission of sins, and also, conditionally, to restore bodily health, to Christians who are seriously ill (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Extreme Unction). All Christians may find hope and healing in a community of Christ and the Saints.

Holy Orders. The hierarchy established by Christ: Apostles (Mark 3:13), disciples, deacons, overseers, and elders. Jesus chose the Twelve and gave them authority to heal and cast out demons. Jesus declares Peter the “Rock” on which the future church will be built, states he shall hold the “Keys to the Kingdom” (Matthew 16:18 & 19), and finally, specifically commands him to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15). Jesus’ decree became reality in the Jerusalem and Rome Churches. After the Ascension the Acts of the Apostles describes the Believers in Jerusalem as being under the leadership of Peter. The other Apostles did not dispute Peter’s leadership and dedicated their time to prayer, healing, and sharing with others their experiences with Christ (they apparently maintained the spiritual authority given earlier by Christ). All Christians may find rest under the authority of Christ-minded overseers.

In the Acts of the Apostles, seven deacons were appointed to serve the needs of believers, but also functioned in a manner similar to the Apostles (see accounts of Stephen and Philip in Acts of the Apostles). Paul joined the group and became an Apostle (demonstrating the spiritual authority bestowed by Christ on the Disciples). Peter and Paul spent their final years establishing the Church in Rome. Peter, Paul, and John provided guidance and specific instructions to other churches through letters and visits (see New Testament epistles). In the Roman Catholic tradition the Sacrament of Orders is the sacrament by which grace and spiritual power for the discharge of ecclesiastical offices are conferred. This sacrament differentiates laity from clergy or the various ranks of the clergy, and thus spiritual power (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Holy Orders).

Luther became bitterly opposed to papal authority and clerical appointments. He suggested the “Keys” were given to all believers. He encouraged congregations to choose pastors with the support of nearby pastors and bishops. This hierarchy was perhaps the greatest bone of contention between Luther and the Roman Church and remains so for modern Protestants. The ascendency of reason caused Protestants to dispute authority—we only submit to that which we deem reasonable. One cannot help but wonder if human nature’s steadfast tendency to question authority is good or bad.

Matrimony. Christ used the matrimonial relationship to describe his relationship with his church. The Church is the Bride of Christ. Jesus’ choice of this relationship to describe his personal commitment to each believer sets it apart. In addition, Christ performed his first recorded miracle at a wedding in Cana. In the Roman Catholic tradition matrimony is a figure of the union of Christ, and the Church. However, Marriage has been disputed as a Holy Sacrament throughout the history of the church. The Roman Catholic Church has recognized marriage officially as a sacrament since the 13th Century. Sacramental marriage is between two baptized believers (Catholic Encyclopedia, see Holy Marriage). Martin Luther found matrimony a particularly compelling spiritual model (McCain, 2005). All Christians may jointly anticipate the coming of the Bridegroom and celebrate community in this transcendent relationship.