The nature of the Church has been a central theological discussion for centuries. A key question within this debate is whether non-sacramental denominations—those that reject or significantly diminish the role of sacraments such as Baptism and the Eucharist—can truly be considered churches in the biblical and historical sense. This post sets forth a theological argument that contends that a non-sacramental denomination is not a church because it fails to participate in the institutions definitively and authoritatively established by Christ and universally practiced by Christians throughout history.
The Sacraments as Essential to the Church
The Church as Founded by Christ
Christ established His Church as a visible, sacramental community. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) explicitly commands Baptism, and the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20) forms the heart of Christian worship. Jesus did not merely teach ethical principles or establish a loose association of believers; He instituted visible rites as means of grace.
- Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
- Luke 22:19-20: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
These sacraments were not optional practices but definitive commands. To disregard them is to reject the visible structure of the Church as Christ ordained it.
The Universal Practice of the Sacraments
From the earliest days of Christianity, Baptism and the Eucharist were considered essential. The writings of the Church Fathers reflect an unbroken tradition of sacramental theology.
- Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110 AD): “Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is administered either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it” (Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8).
- Justin Martyr (c. 150 AD): “This food is called among us the Eucharist… we do not receive these as common bread and common drink; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Savior, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food consecrated by the prayer of His word… is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh” (First Apology, 66).
If the sacraments were present in all times and all places within the Church, then their rejection by non-sacramental denominations represents a fundamental break from the historic and apostolic Church.
A Church Without Sacraments?
A Departure from Apostolic Tradition
If sacraments have been practiced at all times and in all places within the Christian tradition, then any group that rejects them is severing itself from the Church as it has been historically defined…yes, that’s right, severing itself.
“We’re better than the Church that Christ as established” is the implication.
This is not merely a secondary issue of worship style or ecclesiology—it is a departure from the very essence of the Church as established by Christ and perpetuated by His apostles.
Lack of Participation in the Visible Church
The Nicene Creed (AD 325) affirms belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” The sacramental life of the Church is essential to this identity. Without sacraments, a group may be a gathering of believers, but it does not participate in the historically continuous and authoritatively established Church.
Thus, a non-sacramental denomination can be seen as something other than a true Church in the historic Christian sense. It may be a religious community, a Christian fellowship, or an association of believers, but it lacks the defining characteristics of a Church as Christ and His apostles instituted it.
Yes, you heard that right.
Conclusion: The Importance of Sacramental Life
A proper theological understanding of the Church must include participation in the sacraments that Christ Himself instituted. The universal and continuous practice of Baptism and the Eucharist throughout Christian history demonstrates that they are not optional customs but essential realities. A denomination that rejects these sacraments fundamentally departs from the historical and apostolic faith and thus cannot be properly called a Church in the fullest sense.
