------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference:** #sacraments, #church_history, #theology, #Protestant_Reformation, #Roman_Catholic_doctrine, #grace, #Christian_rituals, #medieval_theology --- ## [[Christians]] and the Debate over the Number of [[Sacraments]] (Matthew 26:26–28; Romans 6:3–7) Throughout [[Christian]] history, the question of how many [[sacraments]] exist has sparked significant debate. The dispute over sacraments is especially pronounced between [[Catholics]] and [[Protestants]], particularly regarding what constitutes a [[sacrament]] and which rites were directly instituted by [[Jesus Christ]]. These disagreements have shaped much of [[Christian]] practice and theology since the [[Protestant Reformation]]. > "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26) In this post, we’ll explore the historical and theological roots of this debate, the positions taken by various [[Christian traditions]], and how they have shaped the church's understanding of [[sacraments]]. ### The Origins of [[Sacraments]] in the Church (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) The term **[[sacrament]]** comes from the Latin word **sacramentum**, which was used by early theologians to describe signs that point beyond themselves to the sacred mystery of redemption. It wasn't until the fourth century that [[Augustine]] gave the [[sacraments]] a more technical definition: **visible signs of invisible grace**. These signs became key expressions of how [[God]] interacts with His people through specific rituals that communicate divine grace. The [[00.New Testament]] focuses on two primary [[sacraments]] that were directly instituted by [[Jesus Christ]]: - **[[Baptism]]** (Matthew 28:19) as a symbol of regeneration and union with [[Christ]]. - **The [[Lord’s Supper]]** (1 Corinthians 11:23–26) as a [[sacrament]] of [[communion]] with [[Christ’s sacrifice]] and participation in His life. The [[Protestant Reformers]], such as [[Martin Luther]] and [[John Calvin]], identified these two [[sacraments]] as the only ones with a clear biblical foundation, since they were both directly commanded by [[Christ]]. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on how your tradition observes [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord’s Supper]]. How do these [[sacraments]] shape your understanding of [[God]]’s grace and your relationship with Him? ### The Medieval Church’s Seven [[Sacraments]] (Matthew 26:26–28; Romans 6:3–7) By the twelfth century, theologians like [[Peter Lombard]] expanded the number of [[sacraments]] to seven, a number later affirmed by the **[[Fourth Lateran Council]]** in 1215. These included: 1. **[[Baptism]]** 2. **The [[Eucharist]]** (Lord’s Supper) 3. **[[Confirmation]]** 4. **[[Penance]]** 5. **[[Matrimony]]** (Marriage) 6. **[[Holy Orders]]** (Ordination) 7. **[[Extreme Unction]]** (Last Rites) [[Lombard]]’s definition of [[sacraments]] was broader than what we find in the [[00.New Testament]]. It extended to any ritual that involved a **visible sign** and was believed to communicate [[God]]’s grace to the individual. This system became central to [[Catholic]] doctrine, and the [[sacraments]] were seen not just as signs but as **instruments of grace**. > "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the [[Holy Spirit]]." (Titus 3:5) The [[Roman Catholic Church]] views the [[sacraments]] as essential to [[Salvation]], each playing a specific role in the believer’s journey of faith. For example, [[Baptism]] initiates the believer into the church, while [[penance]] restores grace after sin. #### Call to Action: - How does your tradition view [[sacraments]] beyond [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord’s Supper]]? How do these [[sacraments]] contribute to your understanding of grace, forgiveness, and community within the church? ### The [[Reformation]]’s Challenge to the [[Sacraments]] (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) The [[Protestant Reformation]] brought about a major shift in the understanding of [[sacraments]]. [[Martin Luther]] and [[John Calvin]] argued that the [[Bible]] only explicitly commands two [[sacraments]]—[[Baptism]] and the [[Lord’s Supper]]—because these are the only rituals [[Jesus Christ]] Himself instituted. Their views challenged the **medieval Catholic sacramental system**, which they argued was based on human tradition rather than divine mandate. For the [[Reformers]], [[sacraments]] were meant to be **signs and seals** of the gospel, visible acts that proclaim the promises of [[God]]. [[Luther]] retained the idea that [[sacraments]] are means of grace, but only in the case of [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord’s Supper]]. He famously rejected the **[[Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation]]**, which teaches that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of [[Christ]]. Instead, [[Luther]] held to **[[consubstantiation]]**, where [[Christ]] is spiritually present "in, with, and under" the elements of the [[Lord’s Supper]]. > "Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19) For [[Calvin]] and other [[Reformed]] thinkers, the [[sacraments]] are effective signs of grace, but they are not **automatic conduits** of grace. Instead, their power is rooted in faith, and they confirm the promises of [[God]] to the elect. #### Call to Action: - Consider the theological differences between [[sacraments]] as "means of grace" and "signs and seals" of faith. How do you perceive the presence of [[Christ]] in the [[Lord’s Supper]]? ### The [[Roman Catholic]] Response: The [[Council of Trent]] (1 Peter 3:21) In response to the [[Protestant]] challenge, the **[[Council of Trent]]** (1545–1563) reaffirmed the seven [[sacraments]] and defended their biblical and apostolic origin. [[Thomas Aquinas]] had previously argued that [[Christ]] instituted all seven [[sacraments]], and the [[Council of Trent]] upheld this teaching. According to [[Catholic]] doctrine, each [[sacrament]] conveys grace and is necessary for spiritual growth and [[Salvation]]. > "Baptism… now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward [[God]]." (1 Peter 3:21) Modern [[Catholic]] theology, especially since [[Vatican II]], has continued to uphold the seven [[sacraments]] but with a broader view of the church itself as the **root sacrament**. The [[sacraments]] incorporate believers into the life of the church and connect them to [[Christ]]’s ongoing ministry of grace. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on how the [[sacraments]] in your tradition point to [[Christ]]’s redemptive work. How do they help you grow in grace and holiness? ### Conclusion: Unity in the Essentials, Diversity in Practice While [[Christians]] have disagreed over the number and nature of the [[sacraments]], there remains a shared understanding of the **central role of [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord’s Supper]]** in the life of the church. Both [[sacraments]] serve as outward signs of [[God]]’s grace and means of spiritual renewal. Whether viewed as instruments of grace or signs of faith, they remind us of [[Christ]]’s ongoing work of [[Salvation]]. #### Final Call to Action: - Take time to reflect on your own experience with the [[sacraments]]. How do they draw you closer to [[God]] and the community of believers? What role do they play in your spiritual journey, and how can you deepen your understanding of their significance? [[Sacraments]], whether two or seven, ultimately point to the mystery of [[God]]’s grace, His [[covenantal love]], and His call for His people to live in the power of [[Christ]]’s death and resurrection. As we partake in these holy rites, we are reminded of the profound spiritual realities they represent and the transforming power of [[God]]’s grace in our lives.