Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Sacrament below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed. It recognizes seven sacraments — Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony — which confer the grace they signify when received with proper disposition.
Source: CCC 1113–1131 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches the sacraments as 'holy mysteries' through which the Holy Spirit communicates divine grace and unites believers to Christ. It recognizes seven principal mysteries — Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Ordination, Marriage, and Holy Unction — without limiting God's grace to that number.
Lutherans teach that sacraments are sacred acts instituted by Christ in which the Word of promise is joined to a visible element, offering and conveying the forgiveness of sins. They number Baptism and the Lord's Supper as sacraments in the strict sense (with absolution closely joined), rejecting the idea that sacraments work apart from faith.
Source: Augsburg Confession, Art. XIII; Apology, Art. XIII ↗
The Reformed tradition teaches that sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, instituted by Christ to represent, seal, and apply his benefits to believers. It recognizes only two — Baptism and the Lord's Supper — and holds that their efficacy depends on the Spirit's work and the faith of the recipient, not on the act alone.
Baptists do not use the term 'sacrament' but speak of two ordinances commanded by Christ: believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper. They teach that these are symbolic acts of obedience and testimony — not means of conveying saving grace — by which believers memorialize Christ's death and profess their faith.
Source: BFM 2000, VII ↗
Methodists recognize two sacraments ordained by Christ — Baptism and the Lord's Supper — as outward signs of inward grace and means through which God works invisibly in believers. They teach that sacraments strengthen faith and nourish Christian life, received by faith rather than working automatically.
Source: Articles of Religion, Art. XVI; UMC What We Believe ↗
See how the traditions compare on related topics: