Earliest terms used for Sacraments

‘mysterion’ - Greek - Mysteries - Sacred Mysteries

‘sacramentum’ – Latin – Pledge or Oath – Set Apart / Sacred

 

In the Anglican Church we take part in certain regular acts of worship. These are called Sacraments or re-enactments of Christ's ministries on earth. The two primary sacraments are Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe that God is actively present in the world and in us. In the sacraments we realize God's presence and his favour towards us.

Through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred and our wills strengthened. These Sacraments are contained in the worship services found in the Book of Common Prayer, and in Common Worship.

 

A Sacrament is - An Outward and Visible Sign of An Inward And Spiritual Grace

 

 1. Baptism - Water - Oil

"Go therefore 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 the means by which we become members of the community of believers, defined in the New Testament as the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus was baptized with water by John the Baptist, we include people in the community of faith by baptizing them with water. Following a series of questions, responses and prayers, the priest pours water on the candidate 3 times, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The sign of the cross is made on their forehead with blessed oil. In the Anglican Church, a person is baptized only once. Baptism is the gateway to all the other Sacraments

 

2. Eucharist - Bread and Wine

"While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.'" [Matthew. 26:26]

The Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship in the Church. It is a re-enactment of the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his death on the cross. A holy mystery in which we receive the body and blood of Christ in the form of consecrated bread and wine.

 

3. Confirmation - Laying on of Hands - Oil

"Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." [Acts 8:17] Confirmation is when a baptized person, who has been instructed in the Christian faith, makes a mature commitment to God within the Confirmation service and receives a special blessing, anointing and prayer from the bishop. This is then followed by the candidate receiving their First Communion.

 

4. Reconciliation - Sign of the Cross - Absolution

"If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." [John. 20:23]

While private confession of sins is not a requirement within the Anglican Church, anyone may request reconciliation from a priest and receive assurance of God's forgiveness. A personal confession is always made in private and kept in strict confidence. A general public confession is always made at the beginning of the Eucharist.

 

5. Anointing - Oil

"Is there anyone who is ill? He should send for the church elders, who will pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." [James. 5:14]

Anointing or Holy Unction is a special blessing for those who are sick or desire special prayers. A sign of the cross is made on their forehead and palms of their hands with blessed oil. (Not just for the dying).

 

6. Marriage - Ring/s

"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." [Matthew. 19:6]

Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which a woman and a man enter into a life-long union and make their promises before God in the Marriage service.

 

7. Ordination - Laying on of Hands - Oil

"But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?" [Romans. 10:14-15]

Ordination is the sacrament where God empowers trained persons for special ministry as deacons, priests or bishops. The service always includes the laying on of hands by bishops.