The 7 Sacraments - Are they all Biblical?
The seven Sacraments celebrated by the historical church and pictured in this graphic all have their roots in scripture, although some are featured more prominently than others. Consider that:
There are many references to Baptism, of course, beginning with Jesus’ Baptism by John. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Passover Supper (Matthew 26:26-29).
Confirmation, though not specifically named in the Bible, it's loosely traced back, by some writers, to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his Baptism. “And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Mt 3:17. I would have to chew on this explanation a bit more to be convinced it’s confirmation...
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, while not practiced in the same way in biblical times as we know it now, is rooted in Jesus’ ministry of forgiving sins. Look at the time after Jesus’ resurrection, he breathed on the disciples, imparting them with the Holy Spirit and stating, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20:23).
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be traced to the Greek Testament Letter of James (5:14): “Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Finally, the two Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders — derive from scripture, although the format of the liturgical celebrations has obviously evolved through the centuries.
Marriage. The Bible begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and very soon refers to them becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 1-2). Countless other passages refer to the covenant between married spouses, and Jesus himself defended the nature of marriage when he declared, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Holy Orders. Writers relate this Sacrament and give it shape from Jesus’ appointment of the Apostles to extend his ministry of teaching, healing, and proclaiming salvation (Matthew 10:1-8). Later, those Apostles prayed and laid their hands on other “men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” to share in the ministry (Acts 6:3-6). Thus the tradition of this Sacrament and its tradition lead to bishops, priests, or deacons.
Several denominations, hold to the definition of sacrament formulated by Augustine of Hippo: “…an outward sign of an inward grace that has been instituted by Jesus Christ….” In their view, sacraments signify God's grace in a way that is outwardly observable to the participant.
The word sacrament has the ring of formality, maybe even a splash of piety to it. In my mind I see images of the historic church. When I’m asked if the seven sacraments are Biblical, I pause knowing my belief might not be popular with non-denominational colleagues, but as a Protestant minister with an ecumenical up-bringing, I cant help but answer — yes... #pkes