Introduction
The Seven Sacraments are a central teaching of the Catholic Church, but from a Biblical, Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) perspective, many of these sacraments are not supported by Scripture. Baptists believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that man-made traditions should never take precedence over God’s Word. This article examines these sacraments from a Bible-believing Christian standpoint.
The Truth About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act of obedience, but it does not wash away sin or contribute to salvation. It is an outward expression of an inward decision to trust in Christ.
1. Biblical Baptism
Meaning: Baptism is a public profession of faith, showing identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Form: Baptism in Scripture is always by full immersion after salvation (Acts 8:38-39).
Biblical Foundation:
- Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them…”
- Acts 2:41 – “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.”
❌ Catholic Error: Infant baptism is unbiblical. Nowhere in Scripture is there an example of a baby being baptized. Baptism does not save; faith in Christ alone does (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Man-Made Sacraments vs. Biblical Christianity
The following sacraments are not biblical ordinances but rather human traditions added by the Catholic Church over centuries. Baptists believe in only two true ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
2. Confirmation: No Biblical Basis
Truth: The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). There is no need for a separate “confirmation.” The Catholic practice of confirmation is based on tradition, not Scripture.
Biblical Foundation:
- Romans 8:9 – “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.”
3. The Eucharist (Catholic Mass) vs. The Lord’s Supper
Truth: The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). The Catholic teaching of transubstantiation (bread and wine becoming Jesus’ actual body and blood) is unbiblical and contradicts Hebrews 10:10-12, which states Christ’s sacrifice was once for all.
Biblical Foundation:
- Luke 22:19 – “This do in remembrance of me.”
- John 6:63 – “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
❌ Catholic Error: The mass re-sacrifices Christ repeatedly, while the Bible teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 9:28).
The Problem with Catholic “Sacraments of Healing”
4. Confession to a Priest: No Man Can Forgive Sin
Truth: Only Jesus Christ can forgive sins (1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 1:9). The idea that a priest has the power to forgive sin is blasphemous and contradicts the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Biblical Foundation:
- Mark 2:7 – “Who can forgive sins but God only?”
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.”
❌ Catholic Error: The Bible commands believers to confess sins to God, not to a priest.
5. Anointing of the Sick: A Twisted Doctrine
James 5:14 speaks of praying over the sick, but this is about physical healing, not last rites or receiving grace for salvation. The Catholic Church distorts this teaching to suggest that a priest can administer grace to someone near death.
Biblical Foundation:
- James 5:15 – “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.”
- Psalm 103:3 – “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.”
❌ Catholic Error: The Bible emphasizes prayer and faith in God for healing, not a sacrament performed by a priest.
Sacraments of Service vs. Biblical Marriage & Ministry
6. Holy Orders: No Special Priesthood
Truth: The New Testament does not teach a separate class of “priests.” All believers are part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The Catholic system of clergy contradicts the direct access every believer has to God.
Biblical Foundation:
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
- 1 Peter 2:5 – “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood.”
❌ Catholic Error: The Catholic priesthood places men between believers and God, but the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only mediator.
7. Biblical Marriage vs. The Catholic View
Truth: Marriage is a God-ordained institution (Genesis 2:24), but it is not a sacrament that conveys grace. The Catholic Church wrongly elevates marriage to a sacrament, imposing unbiblical rules like forbidding clergy from marrying (1 Timothy 4:3).
Biblical Foundation:
- Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.”
- Ephesians 5:31 – “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife.”
❌ Catholic Error: The Bible never calls marriage a sacrament, nor does it forbid pastors from marrying.
Conclusion: The Truth of the Gospel
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 10:9-10). Sacraments do not save—only faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ can save! No church or religious institution has the authority to add works or rituals to salvation.
The Biblical Way to Be Saved
- Recognize you are a sinner (Romans 3:23).
- Believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again for your sins (Romans 10:9-10).
- Call upon the name of the Lord and trust in Him alone (Romans 10:13).
If you have been relying on the Catholic sacraments for salvation, repent and believe the Gospel today! The Bible, not church tradition, is the ultimate authority. Turn to Christ alone for salvation!
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