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Ordinary Time

Key Doctrines

Sacrament

A sacred sign instituted by Christ that conveys or signifies grace — classically baptism and the Lord's Supper; more in Catholic and Orthodox count.

Not To Be Confused With

Catholics and Orthodox count seven sacraments (or “mysteries”); most Protestants count two (baptism and the Supper) as instituted by Christ. “Sacrament” (Latin) and “mystery” (Greek, mystērion) name the same reality.

Augustine's phrase “a visible sign of an invisible grace” is the classic shorthand. Traditions divide over number, and over how the sign relates to the grace — from effecting it (ex opere operato) to sealing and signifying it. The Lord's Supper and baptism carry most of the debate.

Related Terms

Seen In These Debates

Related Word Studies

Sacrament — Definition | Theologos Media