What is the Difference Between Sacrament and Ordinance?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a sacrament and an ordinance lies in the role they play in the believer's spiritual life. A sacrament is a Christian rite that is believed to be a means of grace from God, while an ordinance is a practice that demonstrates the participants' faith.
Key differences between sacraments and ordinances include:
- Origin: Sacraments are considered to be instituted by God, while ordinances are practices commanded by God.
- Supernatural work: Sacraments, at some level, involve a supernatural work of God, while ordinances are simply acts of obedience to God.
- Grace: Sacraments are often thought of as being a means of God's grace, whereas ordinances are acts of man or visual aids to help better understand and appreciate Jesus Christ.
- Number: Different Christian denominations have varying numbers of sacraments or ordinances, depending on their beliefs and practices. For example, the Roman Catholic Church has seven sacraments, while some Protestant denominations have only two ordinances: baptism and communion.
In summary, sacraments are seen as a means of grace from God, while ordinances are practices that demonstrate the participant's faith. The number and nature of sacraments or ordinances can vary depending on the Christian denomination.
Comparative Table: Sacrament vs Ordinance
Here is a table highlighting the differences between sacraments and ordinances:
| Feature | Sacrament | Ordinance |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A sacrament is a Christian rite that is believed to convey God's grace and is associated with tangible elements (e.g., water, bread, and wine). An ordinance is a Christian rite or practice that is commanded by God and celebrated by the church. | |
| Origin | Sacraments are instituted by Christ, taught by the apostles, and practiced by the early church. Ordinances are God-ordained ceremonies that are celebrated by the church. | |
| Purpose | Sacraments are considered necessary for salvation in some church traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church. Ordinances are not considered necessary for salvation and are Practiced as a public expression of faith and obedience to God. | |
| Examples | Sacraments include baptism, confirmation, holy communion, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. Ordinances typically include baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion). |
Please note that the distinctions between sacraments and ordinances can vary among different Christian denominations and traditions.
- Act vs Ordinance
- Ordinance vs Law
- Ritual vs Tradition
- Baptism vs Confirmation
- Sacred vs Holy
- Rituals vs Ceremonies
- Orthodox vs Catholic
- Doctrine vs Dogma
- Religious vs Secular Rituals
- Deacon vs Priest
- Baptism vs Christening
- Sacred vs Secular
- Holy vs Discipline
- Catholic vs Methodist
- Catholic vs Roman Catholic
- Covenant vs Contract
- Sacred vs Profane
- Science vs Rituals
- Admission vs Confession