Purpose of Sacraments

[Joseph16]

I was just wondering...what is the Church's position on the purpose of a Sacrament?  It have been told for years that the purpose of a Sacrament is to receive the Divine Graces of God.  Have we not already received these Divine Graces through Christ's Sacrafice? 

Thanks in advance for all your help!

God Bless! 

 

[damaris13]

I was wondering the same thing, Joseph, just because I haven't fully grasped the concept of the 7 sacraments. What are they and why are they needed, according to the Catholic Church? I in no way want to debate this topic; instead, I just would like to understand better what the Catholic Church teaches which makes it different from the denominations of the Protestant church (please don't supply me with the Protestants don't do this because....; I just want to hear the Catholic Church does this because...) Thank you!

smiles!!
damaris

 

[Hoonbaba]

Unfortunately I have to type this up again. For some reason it didn't go through. In anycase, here's a little background:

The word 'sacrament' is from the latin word 'sacramentum', which in English means 'oath'. And the word 'covenant' is also closely related to the word 'oath'

So when someone is getting married, they're declaring and oath before God. The significance of this 'oath' is that God swore himself an oath when he says things like:

"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD . "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Jer 31:33)

And we see similar language in Ex 20:2 "I am the LORD your God..."

In anycase, when belivers partake in the sacraments, like baptism, they're making an outward confession towards God that they will follow him all the days of their lives. You might want to check out this link:

http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?postid=434154#post434154

It'll explain how baptism fits into the biblical picture.

Anyway, the Lord's supper is also a very special sacrament. When believers partake in it, they're renewing the covenant with God. Think of it like this: A married couple going out on a date to eat dinner. Quite rare to see isn't it? Yet, some married couples do that.

And that's exactly what's going on in the marriage supper of the lamb (which is the eucharist, the lord's supper) in Rev 19:9. And then there's the famous passage:

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. " (Rev 3:20)

So the Lord's supper a very intimate thing between God and his people. it's as if God's people are 'renewing the covenant' every time they chose to participate in the Lord's supper.

And another example is holy matrimony. It was important that man be created in the image of God, that what we do on earth reflects what goes on in heaven (Matt 6:10, Heb 8:5). So when a man and a woman get married, they're literally reflecting the image of Christ and the church. St. Paul talks about that in Eph 5:22-31. Cool stuff isn't it?

So the sacraments aren't mere empty rituals but rather I think God's involved with every one of them and pouring out his blessings when believers partake in them, like marriage. Not everyone is married, yet those who do experience a particular blessing. Of course those who don't marry experience a different (and perhaps a better) blessing in light of Matt 19:10, 1 Cor 7:38. But the fact is marriage is a sacrament, while celibacy isn't

Hope this shed at least some light into understanding the sacraments

God bless!

-Jason

 

[damaris13]

Jason,

It sounds like what you are saying is that the Sacraments are just special moments between the individual and God.  If that's the case then why is it so stressed in the Catholic Church?  And why do they feel it is so unique to them?  While the Protestant church only recognizes Baptism and Communion as sacraments, many of the churches hold marriage as an extremely special bond between two individuals in the eyes of God; an oath of staying true to each other and growing spiritually.

All in all, I think I'm still confused about the whole concept of the Sacraments.  I had heard somewhere they were necessary for one's Salvation.  Is that true?  Thank you!

damaris

 

[VOW]

To damaris:

The Catholic Church believes that all seven Sacraments were instituted by Christ, for the benefit of His followers. The Church teaches that the Sacraments are sources of divine grace for the recipients. It is true, God's grace is freely available to us all, but as fallible humans we need constant reassurance, constant encouragement to continue our lifelong walk with Christ towards Eternity. This journey is most difficult, and filled with hazards which can lead to a falling-away. Therefore, Jesus, since He knew intimately the failings of the flesh, gave us these means to sustain us.

The most wonderful of all, in my opinion, is the Eucharist. Jesus loved us so much, and He knew how hard it is for us to struggle through life. He found a way to feed us, nourish us, sustain us with His very own self. When the bread becomes His flesh, the wine becomes His blood, we can obtain both PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL nourishment directly from Him. We actually touch God. When I receive Communion, I picture each molecule of the bread and wine being incorporated into my body, to slowly transform me into the person Jesus wants me to be. I see the Eucharist as a building block, that I use not only to transform my flesh, but also my very soul, into the perfect disciple.

Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation also bestows incredible grace upon us. We are called to confess our sins, to make an acknowledgement that we have turned away from the path that God has for us. The priest then counsels us, guides us, and teaches us how to refocus ourselves back on God.

Most Protestant Churches do not consider Marriage to be a Sacrament. That is because Luther did not personally believe that to be the case; he felt marriage is a civil contract and completely out of the hands of the Church. But the Catholic Church teaches that two shall become one, and through the intimacy of marriage the blessing of new life is created. The parents are the first teachers of a child, and they need to be instilled with special grace in order to show the child the wonders of God.

Holy Orders are considered to be a Sacrament because the Catholic Church believes in the Apostolic Succession. It is through this Apostolic Succession that a priest receives the ability to consecrate the Eucharist at Mass, to forgive sins, and to perform the other functions of a priest.


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[damaris13]

So these are not required for one's salvation?

 

[VOW]

To damaris:

The Catholic Church teaches that Baptism is "required," but there are exceptions that can cover just about any instance.

The other sacraments are not "required." But they are so wonderfully helpful, and we believe they were given to us by Jesus Himself.

A very poor analogy would be the difference between a chainsaw and a handaxe. Both get the job done, but one is much more helpful.


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[Hoonbaba]

Originally posted by damaris13
Jason,

It sounds like what you are saying is that the Sacraments are just special moments between the individual and God.  If that's the case then why is it so stressed in the Catholic Church? 

Because they're special moments!!! Actually I think they're far more than that =)

And why do they feel it is so unique to them?  While the Protestant church only recognizes Baptism and Communion as sacraments, many of the churches hold marriage as an extremely special bond between two individuals in the eyes of God; an oath of staying true to each other and growing spiritually.

The significance is the fact that many protestants do not acknowledge the other sacraments. 

The Eucharist and baptism was addressed earlier.

Marriage is explained in Eph 5:21-31 and Rev 21-22. 

Holy orders, or apostolic succession can be biblically explained, which I did here,

Reconciliation/confession/penance is tied in with holy orders, since the apostles were given the authority to forgive sins (John 20:23), which is part of the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19).

Confirmation, I'm sure this can be biblically explain as well but I still lack knowledge on it.  I'm guessing it's based on 2 Pet 1:10-11

Anointing of the Sick is laid out very clearly in James 5:14-16

Now that we know these sacraments are biblical in nature,

All in all, I think I'm still confused about the whole concept of the Sacraments.  I had heard somewhere they were necessary for one's Salvation.  Is that true?  Thank you!

I heard that as well, but I wouldn't know for sure.  In some sense they are necessary, but what Catholics teach about it doesn't go against 'saved by grace'.  I think the emphasis is not about 'you must do this or else you'll go to hell', but rather if someone refuses to accept any of the sacraments, then he or she is pretty much rejecting a gift from God, which could be understood as rejecting God Himself.

In an sense, it's disobeying God, like if you refuse the bread and wine in the Eucharist, you're basically rejecting Jesus himself, which woud likely mean, 'you're consciously cutting yourself off from Christ' (John 15:6).  And if he or she would reject a sacrament, I think it says a lot about the person's heart:  taht he or she doesn't care much about our Lord.  Honestly I don't see why any God-fearing Christian would intentionally reject any sacrament if he or she knew the value of the particular sacrament.

Does this help?

-Jason

 

[Extirpated Wildlife]

Originally posted by VOW
To damaris:

The Catholic Church teaches that Baptism is "required," but there are exceptions that can cover just about any instance.

The other sacraments are not "required." But they are so wonderfully helpful, and we believe they were given to us by Jesus Himself.

A very poor analogy would be the difference between a chainsaw and a handaxe. Both get the job done, but one is much more helpful.


Peace be with you,
~VOW

I think this is the first time i've seen a Catholic post that did not "require" these in some form.

I agree, in my protestant angle, that these are wonderfully helpful and i would go so far as to be commandments to partake of these. Its not like these commandments are bad or keep you from an evil. But they bring you closer to God.

 

[damaris13]

Originally posted by VOW
The other sacraments are not "required." But they are so wonderfully helpful, and we believe they were given to us by Jesus Himself.

How are they "helpful"?  Do you believe we do not receive the grace of God in a marriage if it is not a sacrament?  Or that we do not receive the grace of God if we do not receive the blessing of a priest before we die?  Am I understanding correctly?

Thanks!

smiles

damaris

 

[damaris13]

does anyone know the theological or formal definition of sacrament? thanks! greatly appreciated!
smiles
damaris

 

[Hoonbaba]

Originally posted by damaris13
How are they "helpful"?  Do you believe we do not receive the grace of God in a marriage if it is not a sacrament?  Or that we do not receive the grace of God if we do not receive the blessing of a priest before we die?  Am I understanding correctly?

Thanks!

smiles

damaris

Hi damaris,

I think quizzler is on to something.  And I think we may be confusing the term grace here.  Or maybe I'm doing that too.  Catholics affirm that salvation is by grace, not of works (of the law) (Eph 2:8). 

As for the grace that given through the sacraments, I don't think this particular grace is referring to the gift of God, namely Jesus Christ.  I think it's referring to the grace to fight the good fight, to run the good race (2 Tim 4:7), the grace to stand firm in Christ (Mark 13:13).

That would explain why VOW mentioned the analogy of the axe and the chainsaw. LOL!! =)

Sure, you don't need to partake in marriage.  In fact not everyone's called to marriage (Matt 19:11-13), since it's better not to marry (Matt 19:10, 1 Cor 7:38).  Nor is it necessary for a priest to pray for your healing.

Does this help?

-Jason

 

[Hoonbaba]

Originally posted by damaris13
does anyone know the theological or formal definition of sacrament? thanks! greatly appreciated!
smiles
damaris

Here's the definition from Merriam-Webster's Online dictionary:

--------------------------------------

a Christian rite (as baptism or the Eucharist) that is believed to have been ordained by Christ and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality

--------------------------------------

It seems to refer to both the 'grace' aspect and an oath.  But I don't know the proper theological definition of it.

God bless!

-Jason

 

[Hoonbaba]

By the way, I no longer believe that protestant Eucharists are 'cheap imitations' =)

Although the experience may not be the same with Catholic Eucharists (of course I really wouldn't know for sure), I think God still honors protestant Eucharists, for those congregations who are serious about partaking in it =)

God bless!

-Jason

 

[damaris13]

okay, so am i to understand that certain sacraments are necessary for salvation but others are not? are some more important than others?

hoonbaba, thank you for respecting that some protestants have a different view than that of the Catholic Church.
merriam-webster isn't necessarily going to have the theological definition. anyone have that?

Thanks!
Smiles!

 

[VOW]

To damaris:

Sacraments won't get you into Heaven. Only the Grace of God, available through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ, will get you into Heaven.

That is why Christians say that salvation is through GRACE. Grace gives us the faith that we need, to accept the Grace through Jesus Christ as our Savior.

There are many sources of God's Grace. The "thump on the head" which awoke you to your NEED for Jesus in your life was Grace. Some people, it takes MANY thumps before the message sinks in.

But then James tells us Faith without Works is dead. So, Faith alone isn't going to do the trick. This is where it gets sticky between Catholics and Protestants, because Luther came up with the concept that Faith alone will do the trick. It isn't Faith, it's GRACE. You must be in what the Church calls "a state of Grace" to get into Heaven.

Here's the deal: Human beings are social animals. We like to live in groups. But, we also have a tendency to misbehave in groups, too. When you think about it, the Ten Commandments, and all the other Laws that God gave Moses, are truly a set of rules that people need to live by to get along. Think about it: if everyone obeyed the Ten Commandments, we wouldn't need laws, cops, courts, or jail.

Jesus was 100% Divine, 100% Human. He knew first-hand how difficult it is to live the human life. And He certainly experienced how really rotten people can be when they don't get along. He had a goal when He came to this world, to bring people to God, to allow them to enter Heaven and spend Eternity with the Father. The Gospels are full of parables and speeches where He taught folks how to get along. And it was His intention that when He returned to the Father, that the people who believed in Him would gather together, teach each other, support each other, and wait for Him to return. But in order to do that, they had to get along with each other, as well.

It is normal and natural for people to either choose a leader or to have someone assert himself as their leader when they group together. (It helps them to stay focused and not kill each other, LOL) So, Jesus set up His Church, with a leader, and with a leadership structure, to tend His sheep until He could return.

Jesus also sent us the Holy Spirit, to comfort us, to guide us, to show us how to live the Christian life. And the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus also instituted the Sacraments, to supply us with God's Grace, to assist us in our journey towards Eternity with God. God can bestow you with Grace in any way, at any time. And we often get a big jolt of it, especially when we are burdened with troubles, and need that boost to strengthen us. But Jesus felt that we also needed constant, regular support and sustenance of Grace, too. And the source of that is through the Sacraments. The Sacraments are never meant to be mindless rituals, meaningless things we do to "make God happy." If we don't seek the Grace that God intended for us to get through the Sacraments, we won't receive it automatically.

I'm constantly getting teased for my stories, but I find that analogies often explain things better than a longwinded definition. Look upon Sacraments as vitamin supplements. Sure, you can live a healthy life just by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, all that good stuff. But if you also take vitamin supplements, you KNOW you are obtaining very vital nutrients your body needs, and which very well could be missing from your daily diet. Now, if you are sick, or stressed, or too busy to eat right, your body requires even MORE vitamins than usual. So a vitamin supplement can actually keep you going.

Sacraments are vitamins. You can certainly live without taking a vitamin supplement, but knowing how stressful life is, wouldn't you feel better if you made absolutely SURE you were getting everything your body needs?

Oh, well, not perfect, but I tried.



Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[damaris13]

Hey VOW, that made sense and thank you for trying. Can I try an analogy? It's like when a student writes a paper for an English class (bear with me, I'm an English major on my way to being a teacher). While the paper is far from perfect it can still make an A because the teacher understands the students are not perfect and won't catch all the mistakes and knows the student at least made the effort to complete the paper. However, instead of accepting the A while not putting out much effort, the student works on the paper and turns out a better more complete paper with minimal errors, better organization, and completely comprehendable. The student uses the skills and techniques learned along the way (brainstorming, predrafting, first draft, reviewing, redrafting, editing, sharing, etc.)


Okay, while my analogy may stretch it a little, as Christians, we are those students and our life is the paper which will be given the A because God knows we have completed the paper (we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior). The Catholic Sacraments would be those skills and techniques along the way helping the Catholics to improve their walk.
Okay, makes sense. It's not required, though, if I understand correctly. Okay, let me know if I got that right or if it's a weak analogy or what-have-you. Thanks!
smiles
damaris

 

[VOW]

To damaris:

English major, huh? LOL, look out world! Seriously, though, that is admirable, and it's a true Spiritual gift for someone to desire to teach.

I'd use your analogy, but instead of giving everyone an "A," I'd say that you'd still get a passing grade, even if the paper has misspells, erasures, notes in the margin, incomplete bibliography, stuff like that. That's not an "A" paper. But if you actually did the research, thought it out, made your point, drew the correct conclusion, and managed to get that message across even though it was rough, then you pass.

But the Sacraments give you the Grace, the word processor, the spellcheck, the grammar check, the laser printer, the 20-bond paper, AND the fancy little report cover that will gain the "A."

Both graduate. The bottom of the class still gets a diploma.

Now, that sounds kind of harsh, so it's not a sterling analogy. But it does sort of explain the whole shebang.

For me, personally, I was in the situation where I could probably have done the very best "C" paper the teacher had ever seen. But to satisfy MY needs, I had to go for the "A."


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[damaris13]

Okay, so in response to your interpretation of the English paper analogy, whether or not those sacraments are received (or accepted or used, whichever), one who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior and strives to live without sin without the acceptance of the Catholic Sacraments will still reach Heaven, correct? What about one who has received the Catholic sacraments to such and such time and then decides not to continue receiving them?

Oh, and this isn't necessarily a conversation just between VOW and me! Others can pipe in if they wish. VOW and Hoonbaba have been extremely helpful so far; I just love hearing a few different perspectives!

Thanks!
smiles
damaris

 

[damaris13]

Hey Vow, what do you mean by "look out world"? J/K Love to write, love to read, why not share that passion with the children? I just hope a few of them will share that passion with me! It's also a wonderful (and challenging) way to share the love of God with the world. It's not like I can actually say anything about my beliefs, but I can show them a Christian and they can ask other people about it (surely a few students will attend the same church I will). I'm looking forward to it.

smiles,
damaris