Sacraments

The sacraments are efficacious signs instituted by Christ through which the power of his saving grace comes to us.  “Efficacious” means the sacraments bring about what they symbolize.  Thus the symbolic washing in Baptism brings about a spiritual cleansing that removes all sin and elevates the Christian to share in “the divine nature” (2 Pet 1:4). 
 
Although the sacraments were entrusted to the Church and ministered through the Church, it is vital to recognize that the sacraments are primarily the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit.  They are the ordinary means Jesus gave his Church through which men experience the dynamic transformation of his saving grace.  The sacraments have power because they flow from the saving work of Jesus Christ.