The Sacraments | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

• Sacraments are central to the worship and beliefs of many Christians.
• They are sacred rites and rituals through which believers receive a unique gift of divine grace.
• For Catholics, Anglicans, and many Protestants, sacraments are considered "outward signs" of "inward grace."
• These rituals demonstrate God’s grace and blessings at significant moments in a believer’s life.
• Sacraments involve physical actions that are believed to have a lasting impact on the soul.
• To be valid, sacraments require form (specific words or actions), matter (physical elements like water), and intention (the person’s intent to perform the sacrament).
• Many Christians believe sacraments deepen their connection with God.
• Different Christian denominations recognize varying numbers of sacraments.
  • Orthodox and Catholic churches acknowledge seven sacraments, while Protestants recognize only two.
  • Some groups, such as the Salvation Army and Quakers, do not practice sacraments, viewing them as unnecessary symbols for receiving God’s grace internally.
  • Certain Christians see the entire world as sacramental, believing God’s grace is accessible through His creation.

The Catholic and Orthodox Sacraments

Catholics and Orthodox Christians recognize seven sacraments, each corresponding to key moments in a believer’s life.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life.”

• Baptism: Marks entry into the Christian Church.
• Confirmation: Typically occurs in adolescence, when individuals reaffirm vows made on their behalf during Baptism.
• Reconciliation: Involves confessing sins and seeking forgiveness.
• Anointing of the Sick: Performed when someone is ill to seek God’s healing and support.
• Matrimony: Celebrates marriage, with God blessing the union.
• Holy Orders: The ordination of men as deacons, priests, or bishops.
• Eucharist: A ceremony where believers receive the body and blood of Christ through bread and wine.

The Protestant Sacraments

• Protestants recognize only two sacraments: Baptism and the Eucharist.
• They believe these are the only sacraments explicitly instituted by Jesus in the Gospels.

Baptism

Baptism in Christianity

Baptism holds great significance for many Christians. The Bible records that John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
After His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize others, saying:

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is important for several reasons:

• It welcomes individuals into the Church and God’s family.
• Some Christians believe it cleanses original sin inherited at birth.
• As a sacrament, it marks a transformative moment in a Christian’s life.
• Certain denominations believe baptism is necessary for entering heaven, as stated in John 3:5: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
• Christians view baptism as a moment of spiritual resurrection.

Many denominations, including Catholics, Anglicans, and Methodists, practice infant baptism. Adults who were not baptized as children can be baptized to join the Church. Churches that baptize infants often hold a confirmation service later, allowing individuals to affirm their faith when they are old enough to understand it. Other groups, such as Baptists and Pentecostals, practice believers’ baptism, performed when individuals are mature enough to choose it consciously.

Infant Baptism

• Blessed water is used alongside the Trinitarian Formula (in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
• The Sign of the Cross is made on the infant’s forehead, symbolizing lifelong faithfulness to Christ and resistance to evil.
• A candle is lit to represent the child receiving the Light of Christ.
• Scripture is read, and prayers are offered.
• Parents and godparents are reminded of their duty to raise the child in the Christian faith.
• Promises are made to reject evil, repent of sins, submit to Christ, and accept the Church’s teachings as outlined in the Apostles’ Creed.
• The baptized child is dressed in a white robe.
• The infant is anointed with oils at two points during the service, symbolizing strength to resist evil and salvation.

Believers’ Baptism

• Candidates often wear white clothing to signify the start of a new life.
• The individual shares a testimony explaining their faith journey and reasons for seeking baptism.
• A Declaration of Penitence for Sin, faith in Christ as their Savior, and commitment to lifelong service to Christ is made.
• The candidate steps into a pool of water and is fully immersed.
• The minister baptizes them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Emerging from the water symbolizes the end of a life of sin and separation from God and the beginning of a new life dedicated to serving God.

Holy Communion / The Eucharist

• The Eucharist, also known as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Breaking of Bread, or Mass, is celebrated by nearly all Christian denominations.
• For Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians, it is a sacrament.
• Sacraments are sacred ceremonies believed to transmit divine grace from God to the worshipper.
• The Eucharist commemorates the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples, recalling His death, sacrifice, and resurrection.
• During Holy Communion, Christians express gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice, which they believe saves them from sin and allows them to experience God’s eternal love.
• The service includes bread and wine, representing Christ’s body and blood, as described in Matthew 26:26-29:

“He broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’”

Different Understandings of The Eucharist

Catholics and Orthodox

• Believe in transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus.
• Mass is seen as a re-enactment of Jesus’ sacrifice.
• The bread and wine convey Jesus’ saving power to worshippers.

Lutherans, Methodists, and Most Anglicans

• Believe in consubstantiation, where Christ is truly present in the bread and wine, but they do not transform into His body and blood.
• Holy Communion is a re-enactment of Jesus’ sacrifice.
• There is a “real presence” of Christ in the elements, but their substance remains unchanged.

Baptists

• Do not believe in transubstantiation.
• Communion is an opportunity for worshippers to unite as a community.
• The bread and wine are symbolic, but God’s presence is felt through the gathering of believers.