ordinary symbol and sacraments?

Question

describe the difference between sacraments and ordinary symbol

Answer 1

Thought I would look this up for you in Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian Religion", where it is defined as "an external sign, by which the Lord seals on our consciences his promises of good-will toward us, in order to sustain the weakness of our faith, and we in our turn testify our piety towards him, both before himself, and before angels as well as men. We may also define more briefly by calling it a testimony of the divine favor toward us, confirmed by an external sign, with a corresponding attestation of our faith towards Him."

I don't know if the word "symbol" translates into a spiritual presence that the word "sacrament” seems to imply. Calvin’s use of the word “mystery” was tied to the Latin "sacramentum” and gives communion a divine, yet undefined nature that symbolism tends to define, and Calvin would have none of that.

Answer 2

This depends on your tradition. If you belong to a denomination there is a list of things they consider 'Sacraments' but they might do other things as a 'symbol'... there is not always agreement.

For the Catholics it is Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Confession, Holy Orders, Marriage and Annointing of the Sick.

For Protestents it is usually Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage, and annointing of the sick....

A Sacrament is required of those practing a certain traiditon ... a symbol is not, but may still be powerful.

Answer 3

Read your Bible about the golden calf. Symbols, statutes, etc are very close to idol worship. If you have faith, you shouldn't need worldly things.