Christian Living and Sacraments

• Christian living involves emulating Jesus Christ in daily life
• Christian living encompasses moral behavior, spiritual practices, and a commitment to following Christian teachings
• Aspects of Christian living: prayer, scripture study, worship, and service to others
• Love, forgiveness, and compassion serve as central virtues
• Christians are called to live as "salt and light" in the world, influencing society for good
• Discipleship involves a lifelong journey of learning and growth in faith
• Ethical decision-making is guided by biblical principles and the example of Jesus
• Overcoming temptation and resisting sin are ongoing challenges
• Bearing witness to one's faith through words and actions is an integral part of Christian living

Sacraments

• Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace
• Sacraments are tangible rituals that signify and impart divine grace to believers
• Different Christian denominations recognize varying numbers of sacraments
• The Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church recognize seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (Chrismation), Eucharist (Holy Communion), Penance (Reconciliation or Confession), Anointing of the Sick (Unction), Holy Orders (Ordination), and Matrimony (Marriage)
• Many Protestant denominations recognize two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion (Lord's Supper)
• Examples of Protestant denominations that recognize two sacraments: Baptists and Pentecostals
• Other Protestant denominations, such as Lutherans and Anglicans, also recognize the importance of sacraments

Baptism

• Baptism serves as the initial sacrament of Christian initiation
• It symbolizes cleansing from sin, spiritual rebirth, and entry into the Christian community
• Common modes of baptism include immersion, affusion (pouring), and aspersion (sprinkling)
• Infant baptism is practiced in some denominations, while others require believers' baptism (adult baptism)
• The Trinitarian formula ("in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit") is typically used during baptism

Eucharist (Holy Communion/Lord's Supper)

• The Eucharist commemorates Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross
• Partaking of bread and wine, symbolize Christ's body and blood
• Transubstantiation (Catholic), consubstantiation (Lutheran), memorialism (Zwinglian), and spiritual presence are differing theological views on the Eucharist
• The Eucharist is a means of receiving grace, uniting with Christ, and remembering His death and resurrection

Confirmation/Chrismation

• Confirmation (in the West) or Chrismation (in the East) is a sacrament of Christian maturation
• It strengthens the grace received in Baptism and seals the individual's identification with Christ
• Anointing with oil is a central ritual in Confirmation/Chrismation
• It is often seen as a personal affirmation of faith

Penance/Reconciliation/Confession

• Penance (Reconciliation or Confession) is the sacrament of forgiveness of sins committed after baptism
• Confessing sins to a priest (in some traditions) or directly to God, expressing contrition, and receiving absolution are key parts of the Penance
• Penance restores the individual to a state of grace
• Repentance and making amends (restitution) are important elements

Anointing of the Sick/Unction

• Anointing of the Sick (Unction) is a sacrament for the healing and comfort of the sick
• Anointing with oil and prayer for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing are key aspects
• It can be administered to those facing serious illness or near death
• Emphasizes God's grace and presence in times of suffering

Holy Orders/Ordination

• Holy Orders (Ordination) is the sacrament by which individuals are consecrated for ordained ministry
• It confers the authority and grace to serve as bishops, priests, or deacons
• It typically involves the laying on of hands by a bishop
• Holy Orders is a lifelong commitment to pastoral leadership and service

Matrimony/Marriage

• Matrimony (Marriage) is the sacrament that unites a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of love
• It symbolizes the union between Christ and the Church
• Matrimony is considered a means of grace and a vocation to holiness
• Fidelity, mutual support, and openness to children are essential aspects of Christian marriage