The Evangelical View on Sacraments and Salvation
> The sacraments have been a significant aspect of Christian religious life for centuries, with varying interpretations and practices across different denominations. In the Catholic Church, sacraments are considered necessary for salvation and are seen as efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ. However, evangelicals have a different perspective on the role and necessity of sacraments in the life of a believer.
This article explores why evangelicals do not accept sacraments as necessary for salvation, focusing on their theological underpinnings and scriptural basis.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith Alone
The cornerstone of evangelical theology is the belief in salvation by grace through faith alone, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Evangelicals interpret this passage to mean that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of any human works or religious rites.
This principle of sola fide (faith alone) emerged during the Protestant Reformation as a response to the Catholic Church’s teaching on sacraments and works as components of salvation. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized that faith in Christ is the sole means by which one is justified before God.
Sacraments as Symbols, Not Means of Grace
Evangelicals view sacraments, which they more commonly refer to as ordinances, as symbols of spiritual realities rather than as means of conveying saving grace. They typically recognize two primary sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Communion). These are seen as important acts of obedience and remembrance, but not as essential for salvation.
Theologian R.C. Sproul encapsulates this view by stating, “The sacraments are not a means of salvation but a means of grace.” In this sense, evangelicals believe that sacraments are a way to experience God’s grace and to grow in faith, but they are not considered channels of grace necessary for one’s salvation.
Biblical Interpretation and Sacramental Theology
Evangelicals approach sacramental theology with a hermeneutic that prioritizes the clear teaching of Scripture over church tradition. They interpret Christ’s institution of the sacraments as symbolic actions meant to teach and remind believers of the truths of the gospel. For example, baptism is seen as a public declaration of one’s faith and identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, rather than as a regenerative act that washes away sin.
Similarly, the Lord’s Supper is understood as a commemoration of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, with the bread and wine serving as symbols of his body and blood. Evangelicals reject the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, which teaches that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist.
The Role of Faith and Assurance
For evangelicals, assurance of salvation is grounded in the promises of God and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, not in participation in sacraments. They believe that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by ongoing faith and repentance, is the basis for the assurance of salvation. Sacraments are valued as expressions of faith and reminders of God’s promises, but they are not seen as affecting one’s eternal destiny.
Conclusion
The evangelical stance on sacraments is deeply connected to their understanding of salvation as a gift received through faith alone. While acknowledging the historical and spiritual significance of sacraments, evangelicals do not view them as necessary for salvation. Instead, they emphasize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rooted in faith, as the means by which salvation is secured.
For those seeking a deeper exploration of evangelical views on the gospel and sacraments, “Understanding Four Views on Baptism” and “Understanding Four Views on the Lord’s Supper” edited by John H. Armstrong, brings together representatives from four perspectives within evangelicalism to discuss their distinct understandings of these rites.
