Major arguments have taken place over the meaning of the Sacraments over the last 2000 years. I get the feeling that most of the argument is because we have tried to impose concepts and ideas from Greek philosophy, and from our own cultures, onto the Bible and so have distorted the meaning behind the Sacraments.

 

In this book I take a different approach and look at a Biblical idea which, I believe, is behind all of the Sacraments, the idea of a "prophetic action." I describe what this is, then examine several things we do in church which fall into the category of a prophetic action. My aim is to show how it is God's intention to heal areas of our lives through these actions.

 

 

THE HEALING SACRAMENTS.

 

 

Table of Contents.

 

Chapter 1. The Lay of the Land.

 

Section 1. The Basic Idea.

Chapter 2. The Prophetic Action in the Old Testament.

Chapter 3. The Prophetic Action in the Ministry of Jesus.

Chapter 4. The Prophetic Action in the Jewish Festivals.

 

Section 2. Christian Sacraments.

Introduction. Application to the Sacraments.

Chapter 5. Communion – a “Remembrance.”

Chapter 6. Baptism – We are buried with Christ.

Chapter 7. The Cross.

Chapter 8. The Laying on of Hands.

Chapter 9. Anointing with Oil.

Chapter 10. Confession and Absolution.

Chapter 11. Holy Water.

Chapter 12. Tithing.

Chapter 13. Marriage and Sex.

 

Conclusions.