Definition of sacrament

The word "sacrament" originates from the Latin "sacramentum," which was a legal term used in ancient Rome to refer to a solemn oath or a sacred ritual. In Christian theology, the word "sacrament" was first used by Saint Ambrose in the 4th century to describe the Lord's Supper as a sacred and mystical ritual. Over time, the term was extended to include other Christian rituals, such as baptism, confirmation, and communion. The Catholic Church finally formalized the concept of seven sacraments, including baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. The Protestant Reformation rejected the idea of seven sacraments, but retained the concept of baptism and communion as sacred rituals. Today, the word "sacrament" is used in many Christian denominations to describe these sacred rituals and ceremonies.