The Sacraments ...............................................................................

Lecture 17

Much of what I’m going to say in this lecture on the seven sacraments

will apply to Eastern Orthodoxy as well as Roman Catholicism, because

it’s important to know the Roman Catholic church acknowledges the

validity of Eastern Orthodox sacraments, and they agree that there

are seven.

I

n the medieval understanding, sacraments were sacred rites through
which God confers grace on believers. There were seven sacraments,
which were de¿ ned as outward signs that conferred the inner grace they
signi¿ ed. Sacraments were understood to be instituted by Christ himself.

Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration
or rebirth. Like other sacraments, its
outward form consists of a sign and
words. The words are: “I baptize you
in the name of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit.” The sign is immersion
in water. In many churches, sprinkling
is used as an alternative to immersion,
especially for infants.

Signifying regeneration or rebirth, the
sacrament of Baptism means the same
thing as being saved. If you asked people
of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faiths
if they’ve been born again, they’ll say,
sure, I’ve been baptized. Catholics agree
with Protestants that salvation requires
rebirth, a passing from death in Adam to
new life in Christ.

Theologies of baptismal regeneration typically lead to a doctrine of
mortal sin. Since anyone who is baptized may later turn against God, one

John the Baptist baptising Jesus

in Jordan.

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