61%
Confidence
Belief overview
Two main sacraments
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are normally recognized as central sacraments or ordinances.
3
Supportive
1
Contrary
0
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; others, ordinances. In general, the other Christian rites do not receive the same sacramental status as in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Context: The reduction of the sacramental number is an important historical feature of the Reformation, although the language and theology of these rites vary considerably among denominations.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
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
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
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
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.