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What is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is the physical sign of an unseen promise. Sacraments are rites of the church that convey God’s forgiveness, life and salvation through words and physical means. Lutherans celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
Taken together, the Word proclaimed and the sacraments, both Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, are called the means of grace. We believe that Jesus Christ is present in these means through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we describe worship as a "gathering around the means of grace." This is a way of saying that we trust that God is genuinely present with us in baptism, in preaching, and in sharing the bread and wine of Holy Communion. In that sense, Lutherans believe that God’s presence permeates all of Christian worship.
Baptism
One of two sacraments for Lutherans, the other being Holy Communion. Baptism is the entry rite into Christian faith. It is an act instituted by God, performed using water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, whereby the baptized is united with Christ.
Holy Communion
One of two sacraments for Lutherans, the other being Baptism. In Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, Lutherans recall the saving acts of God through Word, bread and wine, and are connected with Christ and with Christians of all times and places. In this sacrament we are fed with the Body and Blood of Christ.