Two main sacraments

Baptism and the Lord's Supper are usually recognized as the central sacraments or ordinances.

61%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: Most Protestant traditions recognize baptism and the Lord's Supper as the two central rites instituted by Christ.

How the religion understands it: Some traditions prefer to call them sacraments, while others call them ordinances. In general, the other Christian rites do not receive the same sacramental status they hold in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Context: The reduction of the sacramental number is an important historical trait of the Reformation, although the language and theology of these rites vary greatly among denominations.

Supportive

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

bible,supper,protestantism,worship

Tradition of the Lord's Supper.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Content: Paul transmits the tradition of the supper and its memorial repetition until the Lord's return.
Use in debate: It is central to the various Protestant readings of the supper.

Matthew 28:19-20

bible,baptism,mission,protestantism

Mandate to baptize and teach.

Reference: Matthew 28:19-20.
Content: Jesus sends disciples to baptize and teach all nations.
Use in debate: It is a basis both for baptism and for mission and discipleship.

Thirty-Nine Articles, Article 25

protestantism,sacraments,anglicanism,reformation

Classic Anglican text on two sacraments of the Gospel.

Reference: Thirty-Nine Articles, Article 25.
Content: The article distinguishes baptism and the Lord's Supper as sacraments of the Gospel in the proper sense.
Use in debate: It is frequently cited in Protestant discussions about the number of sacraments.

Contrary

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1113-1131

catechism,sacraments,catholic-doctrine

Catechetical synthesis on the nature and number of the sacraments.

This section of the Catechism presents the sacraments as effective signs of grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, and enumerates the seven sacraments recognized by Catholic doctrine. It is an official secondary source, useful for synthesis, teaching, and standardizing contemporary sacramental language.