Sacraments

As Anglicans we hold that the Church uses a series of sacred Rites called Sacraments. Sacraments are, according to Anglicans, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

The number of Sacraments that Anglicans hold to is sometimes hotly debated by ourselves, but the general consensus is that there are:

  • The Two “Sacraments of the Gospel”, namely Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (Communion/Supper of the Lord), which are “Generally Necessarily” to Salvation
  • Other Rites “Not to be counted as Sacraments of the Gospel”, namely, Reconciliation (Confession), Confirmation, Matrimony (Marriage), Anointment (Unction), Ordination (Orders)

2 thoughts on “Sacraments

  1. Doesn’t John 3:16 define the plan of salvation in it’s entirety? Baptism and Communion are outward symbols of obedience to God but salvation is only achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. His death on the cross, and resurrection on the third day saved us all from our sins and believing in HIS name will save us, not communion or baptism.

    1. Bob,

      The New Testament makes things a tad more complicated. For Baptism we are told by Christ himself that:

      The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.
      – Mark 16.16

      Further, with regards to Communion we are told by Christ himself that:

      Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.
      John 6:53-56

      Thus, we see that the issue is more complicated. Now, I am not saying if you don’t have faith and you get Baptized and receive Communion that you will be said; Faith is still necessary. However, the position that Christ has done everything and we just need to have faith is a vast over-simplification of the Christian faith. Christian salvation, like the true, resists simplicity. (I’m paraphrasing author, vlogger and fellow Anglican John Green).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *