Sacraments and holy mysteries

Tradition Comparison

The Anglican Articles and Westminster Confession identify Baptism and the Lord's Supper as the two sacraments instituted by Christ in the Gospel. Baptist and Assemblies of God statements observe the same two rites but call them ordinances, and British Quakers hold that outward sacraments are not necessary for the operation of God's grace. Protestant churches therefore differ in sacramental language, theology, and practice; no single text speaks for every church.

Scripture

Matthew 28:19 — The risen Jesus commands the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38–42 — Peter calls for repentance and baptism; the new community continues in teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — Paul recounts Jesus' words over bread and cup and says the community proclaims his death when it shares them.

Primary sources

Article XXV states:

The Anglican Articles name two Gospel sacraments; this is an Anglican confessional witness, not a definition for every Protestant church.

There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel
— Church of England, Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Article XXV)

Passage context and translation

Article XXV immediately names Baptism and the Lord's Supper, while also discussing five other rites commonly called sacraments. This Anglican distinction is not a statement for all Protestants.

After the excerpt

that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.

Original English; excerpt checked against the Church of England's official Articles of Religion text, retaining its historical spelling.

Sources and further reading

Quaker faith & practice, chapter 27: Sacraments (Britain Yearly Meeting book of discipline)
Explains why Friends do not treat outward baptism and communion as necessary, while not judging those who use them.
Assemblies of God: Statement of Fundamental Truths (Pentecostal statement)
Baptist Faith and Message (2000), Articles VI–VII (Southern Baptist confession)
Speaks of 'the two ordinances of Christ' and calls baptism a church ordinance.
Thirty-Nine Articles, Article XXV (Website)
Westminster Confession, chapter 27 (Website)

Related records

Baptism and the Supper (Formation Module)
Living Protestant Faith (Formation Module)
Baptism: command, response, and early practice (Scripture Study)
The Lord's Supper and Eucharist in context (Scripture Study)
WHY BAPTISM? (Formation Claim)
Baptism and Christian initiation (Tradition Comparison)
Sacraments, mysteries, and ordinances (Sacraments)
Chrismation and Confirmation (Sacraments)
Confession, Penance, and Absolution (Sacraments)
Anointing and Prayer for the Sick (Sacraments)
Holy Orders and Church Ministry (Sacraments)
Marriage and Matrimony (Sacraments)
Church, Worship, and Sacraments in the Fathers (Patristic Theme)
Mysteries (Doctrine Tree)

All records