The Seven Sacraments
I have had several people ask me, "Where do we find the sacraments in the Bible?" Here are some scriptures to think on about the sacraments and sacramental rites of the church.
Baptism: a sign of new life.
In Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus is baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a dove and a God says, "This is My Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." And Jesus commands his disciples to do the same (Matthew 28:19-20)
Holy Eucharist: a sign of unity with God.
In Mark 14:22-25 Jesus blessed the bread as His body and wine as His blood at the Last Supper. (See also 1 Corinthians 11:17-34). He instructed his followers to continue this tradition.
Confirmation: a sign of receiving the Spirit and affirming baptism promises
In Acts 8:17-18, describes the practice of laying on of hands as a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. In confirmation, the Bishop lays his hands on the head of the confirmands.
Holy Matrimony: union between a man and a woman that signifies Christ’s relationship with the Church
In John 2:1-11 Jesus and His disciples attend a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus performs His first miracle by changing 180 gallons of water into wine. He certainly seems to have blessed the institution of marriage!
Ordination: a sign of spiritual leadership
See Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13. There was a need for leadership in a fast-growing church, so a meeting took place and seven men of good reputation, filled with faith, the Holy Spirit and wisdom were elected as the first deacons. There was also a list of requirements for person to become bishop, priest or deacon.
Reconciliation of a Penitent: a sign of repentance and renewal
James 5:16 tells us to "confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, and this will cure you, the heartfelt prayer of a good person works very powerfully." We regularly say the confession together in worship. We also have an order for private confession for specific and deeper things that need confession (BCP, p. 447).
Unction of the Sick: a sign of healing
See James 5:13-19 and Mark 6:12-13. We pray, anoint with oil and lay on hands as a sign of the Holy Spirit for the healing of body, mind and spirit. Mark’s gospel describes how the disciples anointed and healed many.
While we might not recognize it at first glance, the sacraments of The Episcopal Church come from our understanding of the Scriptures as taught and conveyed by the early church. The Bible has shaped and directed our worship, and helps direct our focus to our God Almighty, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
