Episcopal
Church of the Incarnation
West Point, Mississippi
Lenten Supper, 1 April 2009
Sacramental
Life: Participation in God’s Grace
4. The Five other Sacraments
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1. These differ from the “dominical” Sacraments: They are means of grace, but not necessary for salvation.
a. Often referred to as Sacramental Rites.
2. Confirmation, Reconciliation (Penance), Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick (Unction).
a. Developed out of early Apostolic Church: Not found in Holy Scripture per se.
Holy Confirmation:
1. The sacrament by which we express a mature commitment to Christ.
a. Traditional: seals our Baptism.
2. Scripturally derives from the descent of the Holy Ghost (Pentecost).
3. Receive strength from the Holy Ghost from laying on of hands and anointing by Bishop.
b. To live more fully into Christ.
b. Instructed in Christian faith
d. Ready to affirm confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
e. Desire to give one’s life to Christ and His Church.
a. Laying on of hands and anointing with the Holy Oil by Bishop.
6. Inward and spiritual grace:
a. Strengthening own Christian life by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
i. Wisdom: That state that enables us to look at a decision, a thought, or an act, in the same way across time, moods, and other factors.
vi. Piety: A desire and willingness to perform religious duties
a. Form: Words, “Defend O Lord this thy servant…”
e. Intent: To do what the Church has always done (strengthen in apostolic ministry).
Reconciliation (Holy Penance):
1. The sacrament whereby we repent of sins and confess them to God in the presence of a priest, in order to receive counsel, assurance and grace of absolution.
a. Sin is the seeking of our own will instead of the will of God, thus distorting our relationship with God, with other people, and with all creation.
b. Reunion with God in grace and love.
b. Words of absolution and the sign of the cross.
5. Inward and spiritual grace:
a. Form: “I confess to Almighty God…”
b. Matter: Priest’s absolution
c. Minister: Bishop or Priest.
e. Intent: To do what the Church has always done (cf. Matt. 16.19; 18.18).
Holy Matrimony:
1. The Sacrament of Christian marriage.
2. A lifelong union, sealed with vows before God and the Church.
3. Marriage vows are made to each other, and made to live life to God.
4. The husband and wife receive the grace and blessing of God to help fulfill the vows made.
5. The husband and wife become an icon of the love of the Trinity.
6. The husband and wife become an icon of the love of Christ for His Church
7. Outward and visible sign: Exchange of vows and rings.
8. Inward and spiritual grace: Love to keep vows.
a. Form: “With this ring I thee wed…”
e. Intent: To do what the Church has always done (cf. John 2.1-11).
1. The Sacrament of Ordination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.
2. Conveying grace and authority in Church over sacraments.
3. Outward and visible sign: Laying on of hands by Bishop in prayer.
4. Inward and spiritual grace: To minister the sacraments of the particular order ordained to.
a. Bishops: Three to make one; ordain, confirm and all a priest can do.
b. Priests: By bishop; say Mass, Marriage, Unction, Penance and all a Deacon can do.
c. Deacons: By Bishop; can Baptize, preach and assist Bishop and Priest.
b. Matter: Laying on of hands by bishop
c. Minister: Bishop in apostolic succession
e. Intent: To do what the Church has always done.
Anointing of the Sick (Holy Unction):
1. The Sacrament of Healing.
2. Healing of mind, body and spirit, and or body.
3. Outward and Visible sign: Prayers, anointing with holy oil and laying-on of hands.
4. Inward and Spiritual grace: Health and salvation.
a. Form: Words of anointing and prayers.
b. Matter: Oil, or laying on of hands.
c. Minister: Bishop, Priest, deacon.
d. Subject: A human being.
e. Intent: To do what the Church has always done (cf. James 5.14-15).