A sacrament (or ordinance in Baptist/Reformed usage) is a visible, outward rite that signifies, seals, and (in some traditions) conveys an inward spiritual grace, instituted by Christ and administered in the church. The NT grounds two clear sacraments/ordinances in Christ's direct command: baptism (Matt 28:19) and the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19–20). Rome recognizes seven; Protestants affirm two. All traditions agree that these rites are not mere ceremonies — they are appointed means by which God engages his people. The debate is over how grace is present: sacramentally (infused through the rite itself), really (Christ's body truly present), or symbolically (the rite signifying and commemorating what is received through faith alone).
SACRAMENT, n. [L. sacramentum, from sacro, to consecrate, from sacer, sacred.] The eucharist or Lord's supper; the ceremony of baptism. In the most general sense, a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given to us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same grace, and a pledge to assure us thereof.
• Matthew 28:19 — "Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
• Luke 22:19–20 — "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me… This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
• 1 Corinthians 10:16 — "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?"
• Romans 6:4 — "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that…we too might walk in newness of life."
Two opposite errors distort sacramental theology today. Sacramentalism (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, high Anglican) locates saving grace in the mechanical performance of the rite — baptism regenerates, the eucharist re-presents Christ's sacrifice. This collapses the sign into the thing signified and can produce a false assurance detached from personal faith. Sacramental minimalism (much of low-church evangelicalism) treats baptism and the Lord's Supper as optional sentiment — nice traditions but not obligatory or particularly meaningful. Christ instituted these rites for a reason. The church that neglects them impoverishes its worship and severs visible connection to the historic body of Christ. The balanced Protestant position: the sacraments are genuine means of grace — not because they save apart from faith, but because Christ is present and active in their proper observance.