The Meaning of Grace Essay

It is known that the sacraments in the Catholic theology play an important role as they can be understood as the means of sanctification. The sacrament is “a visible sign” of “invisible grace”. It is an outward sign to give grace to all the people who have a strong faith and who follow the major rules of the religion. (Danielou 65)
All the sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and it is very important for any believer to participate. Grace which is given to all the believers through the sacraments helps them to lead a good and fair life.
The sacraments are considered to be means of grace but they are the part of faith and cannot exits without it.
THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM SACRAMENTS
The term sacrament means a religious rite or ceremony which is a visible form of God’s grace, or a means of grace. It is known that in the Eastern Orthodox Church as well as in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches, the sacraments represent seven rites which were instituted by the son of God Jesus Christ: baptism, confirmation, penance, Holy Eucharist, holy orders , matrimony and extreme unction. However, protestants have only two ceremonies: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. All the sacraments were recorded in the New Testament. (Empereur 2)
SEVEN SACRAMENTS AND THEIR MEANING
There are seven sacraments in the Catholic church. Each of them consists of a visible rite composed of two components – “the matter” which stand for the action and “the form” which stands for the words of the minister. All the sacraments are connected with this or that key event in the life of a person. It is also known that each sacramental rite confers a special God’s grace which helps those believers who receive it to live a full life and to act in a proper way. (Empereur 1)
Baptism
Baptism is one of the sacraments which is considered to be “the basis of the whole Christian life”. It is very important for salvation. Baptism gives a sign that a person, a believer is an obedient “child of God”. It is known from the Gospel of Mark that Jesus was also baptized by John the Baptist. The sacrament of baptism took place in the Jordan River:
And when he came out of water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove;
and a voice came from heaven,
“Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I was well pleased.” (Gospel of Mark 1:9-11)
Confirmation
Confirmation is the second sacrament which is connected with the Holy Spirit who was sent by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ informed the Apostles that they will “receive the power of the Holy Spirit” and will spread the Word of God.
The rite of this sacrament represents “anointing the forehead with chrism” and the words of the minister “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”. This person will get seven gifts: wisdom, counsel, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, piety and fear of God. Moreover, his character will get strength. (Schilleebeeckx 56)
Penance, or Confession
This sacrament gives opportunity to the believers to visit a clergyman and to ask God to forgive them. The person who confesses all his sins to the priest will get a sense of freedom and get rid of the burden of sin. It helps to continue a fair life and to change some bad traits of character.
Holy Orders
This sacrament is related to ordination of clergy. The rite includes the religious ceremony when the Bishop’ laying on of hands on the head of the priest and the words of the prayer.
Holy Eucharist
This rite means thanksgiving where white bread and wine are the signs. It is “the source of the Christian life”. (Empereur 1)
Matrimony
This sacrament gives the man and the woman an opportunity to be united. The couple also is given a grace to unite heart and soul and to continue their life according to the religious canons. Their children will be “the fruit” of their marriage. The rite includes their exchange of vows. This sacrament is very important as shows the presence of Christ and God’s grace.
Extreme Unction
This sacrament is for those believers who are extremely ill. It is known as a death rite. Special grace can unite the sick person to the Christ’s passion. This rite is a so called “spiritual remedy” as the ill person will be able to accept sickness as God’s cross and death if it is God’s will. (Danielou 126)
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is necessary to say that grace is a free gift of God, a favor which helps all the believers to be “children of God”. Grace is very important for salvation. That is why every religious man should understand the meaning of grace and the power of all sacraments as means of grace.