A sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. It takes the form of a visible ceremony, but it has an inward benefit in the life of the worshipper.
Through the sacraments, a Christian receives spiritual help. The word sacrament comes from the Latin word 鈥荣补肠谤补尘别苍迟耻尘鈥. This was the oath of loyalty a Roman soldier took on joining the army. The Church took over this word, using it to describe certain practices which show a Christian鈥檚 loyalty to Christ.
The Roman Catholic Church believes there are seven sacraments, whereas most Protestant churches believe there are just two 鈥 baptismCeremony where a person is initiated into Christian life. It involves immersion in water, or the sprinkling or pouring of water. and Holy CommunionA service celebrating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ involving the sharing of the bread and wine (body and blood of Christ) in church..
The Baptist Church prefers to call sacraments 鈥榦谤诲颈苍补苍肠别蝉鈥. This simply means an act of obedience to a command of Jesus.