1 1. Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, especially original sin, and reborn as children of God. It also makes us members of the Church. Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19). In the book of Acts, Peter preaches that we must be baptized to receive the forgiveness of sins and affirms that the promise is for all, including children (Acts 2:38-39). Baptism is compared to a spiritual rebirth, as Jesus says in John 3:5, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." Saint Paul also teaches that through Baptism, we are united to Christ's death and resurrection, which allows us to live a new life (Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27). The practice of baptizing entire families also appears in Acts (Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33) and in 1 Cor 1:16.
2. Eucharist
The Eucharist is the sacrament in which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. It was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, "This is my body... This is my blood... do this in memory of me" (Lk 22:19-20; Mt 26:26-28). In John 6:51, Jesus states, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever." The Eucharist is central to Christian life, as it unites us directly to Christ. Saint Paul reaffirms this institution in 1 Cor 11:23-26, reminding us to continue celebrating the Eucharist until Christ's return.
3. Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament that strengthens Baptism, bestowing the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, the apostles lay hands on the baptized so that they may receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:5-6). In John 20:22, Jesus gives the Spirit to the apostles after the resurrection, showing that this gift is essential for the Christian mission. The author of Hebrews (Heb 6:2) mentions the laying on of hands as one of the fundamental principles of faith.
4. Penance (Confession)
The sacrament of Penance offers us the forgiveness of sins. After the resurrection, Jesus gave the apostles the power to forgive or retain sins: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them" (John 20:22-23). This power continues in the Church through the priests who hear confessions. The Epistle of James (James 5:16) also exhorts Christians to confess their sins to one another, highlighting the importance of reconciliation.
5. Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament of spiritual and physical healing for those who are seriously ill. The letter of James instructs that if anyone is sick, they should call the presbyters to pray and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, for "the prayer of faith will save the sick person" (James 5:14-15). This sacrament is a way of asking God for healing and spiritual strength to endure suffering.
6. Holy Orders
The sacrament of Holy Orders confers the ministry of service in the Church: deacons, priests, and bishops. Paul instructs Timothy not to neglect the gift given to him through the laying on of hands (1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6), and in Acts, we see the apostles laying hands on the deacons, appointing them for service (Acts 6:6). The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that no one can take this office for themselves unless they are called by God (Heb 5:4). The mission given by Jesus to baptize and teach in His name (Mt 28:19-20) is also part of the vocation of ordained ministers.
7. Matrimony
Matrimony is the sacrament that unites man and woman in a covenant of love, reflecting the union between Christ and the Church. The biblical foundation of marriage is in Genesis when God unites Adam and Eve and declares that "the two shall become one flesh" (Gen 2:24). Jesus reaffirms this indissoluble union in Matthew 19:4-6, stating that what God has joined, man must not separate. Saint Paul compares this union to Christ's love for the Church (Eph 5:31-32).
