Sacrament
Term
A holy sign and seal instituted by Christ, in which visible elements represent and confirm to believers the promises of the gospel; Protestants recognize two, baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Also called: sacraments, sacramental
What it means
"Sacrament" comes from a Latin word for a solemn pledge. Reformed churches use it for the two rites Christ commanded His church to keep: baptism and the Lord's Supper. The Westminster Confession calls them "holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace", which represent Christ and His benefits, confirm our interest in Him, and mark out those who belong to the church.
Paul calls circumcision a sign and seal of the righteousness Abraham had by faith. In the same way the sacraments do not create faith from nothing, but the Spirit uses them to strengthen it, much as a seal confirms a promise already made in words. Their power lies not in the water, bread, or wine, nor in the minister, but in the work of the Spirit and the word of institution.
Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches count seven sacraments and teach that they confer grace by the act performed. Baptists often prefer the word "ordinance", stressing Christ's command. Many Reformed Baptists use both words.
In Scripture
Circumcision was a sign and a seal of the righteousness Abraham had by faith.
Circumcision was to be the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham.
Christ commanded His church to baptize in the triune name.
Paul hands on what he received from the Lord about the bread and the cup.
The cup and bread are a participation in the blood and body of Christ.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 27.1; WCF 27.3; WCF 27.4
Related terms
OrdinanceTerm
A rite Christ commanded His church to observe; Baptists commonly use the word for baptism and the Lord's Supper, stressing obedience to Christ's appointment.
Means of graceHistoric orthodoxy
The ordinary ways God has appointed to give and strengthen faith in His people, chiefly the Word, the sacraments, and prayer.
PaedobaptismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that baptism, the sign of the covenant of grace, is to be given both to those who profess faith and to the infant children of believers.
Spiritual presenceA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that in the Lord's Supper believers truly feed on Christ, not bodily, but spiritually by faith through the work of the Holy Spirit.