Sacrament

A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace.

Related Topics:
Christian - Rite - Divine grace

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Among many Protestants, the word mediates would mean only that it is a visible symbol or manifestation of invisible divine grace.

Related Topics:
Protestants - Symbol - Divine grace

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Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, the Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian Christians, members of the Anglican, United Methodist, and Old Catholic traditions, the Independent Catholic Churches and Lutherans hold that sacraments are not mere symbols, but rather, "signs or symbols which effect what they signify", that is, the sacraments cause their recipients to receive divine grace.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholics - Eastern Orthodox Christians - Oriental Orthodox - Assyrian Christians - Anglican - United Methodist - Old Catholic - Independent Catholic Churches - Lutherans

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Christian churches and sects are divided regarding the number and operation of the sacraments, but they are generally held to have been instituted by Jesus. Sacraments are usually administered by the clergy to a recipient or recipients, and are generally understood to involve visible and invisible components. The invisible component (manifested inwardly) is understood to be God's grace working in the sacrament's participants, while the visible (or outward) component entails the use of water, wine, or oil that is blessed or consecrated.

Related Topics:
Church - Sect - Jesus - Clergy - God

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