< Differences in What Christians Teach on Other Sacraments - Video

July 24, 2026

 

Recap of Intro to the Analytical Study of Early Church History

Pre-Nicene Christians had a consensus of at least 4 authors taught and none denied on over 1,237 teachings.

All but 7 were taught by at least one writer between 325-431 A.D. too.

All Christian churches today, would agree on all of these except for about 44.

At least one church today would agree with every teaching except six.

See www.biblequery.org; under “Church History”.

Details: www.biblequery.org/History/ChurchHistory/WhatEarlyChristiansTaughtOnDoctrine.html

www.biblequery.org/History/ChurchHistory/WhatEarlyChristiansTaughtOnExperienceAndPractice.html.

 

Legend

White background – A consensus of 4 or more writers taught prior to 325 A.D., and none denied. There are over 1,237 teachings; a few are shown here.

Pale yellow – No consensus

Bright yellow – Nobody taught this before 325 A.D.

 

Other Sacraments

-Os1. Confession to a priest (1-0)

-Os2. Seven sacraments (0)

-Os3. Absolution of sin (0)

-Os4. Grace obtained through sacraments (0)

-Os5. The Sacraments give life (0)

-Os6. The Ordinance of Confirmation (0)

-Os7. Last Rites (Roman Catholic Unction) (0)

 

 

-Os1. Confession to a priest (1-0)

 

God does not say this in His word, the Bible.

James 5:16 says that we are to confess our sins to each other. This would support a priest confessing his sins to laity as much as laity confessing sins to a priest.

 

Cyprian of Carthage (c.246-258 A.D.) Moreover, how much are they both greater in faith and better in their fear, who, although bound by no crime of sacrifice to idols or of certificate, yet, since they have even thought of such things, with grief and simplicity confess this very thing to God’s priests,” Treatises of Cyprian Treatise 3 ch.28 p.445

 

The Fourth Lateran Council (1215 A.D.) (partial) officially established the seven Roman Catholic sacraments and transubstantiation.

 

-Os2. Seven sacraments (0)

 

The Bible does not specifically list sacraments. However, we are commanded to baptize, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, church elders and deacons were ordained, and the elders prayed for the sick and anointed them with oil.

 

The Fourth Lateran Council (1215 A.D.) officially established the seven Roman Catholic sacraments and transubstantiation. The seven sacraments to them are baptism, confirmation, the Lord’s Supper, marriage, confession, ordination (holy orders), and unction (last rites).

 

Nestorians (Assyrian Church of the East) have seven sacraments: The priesthood, Holy baptism, Oil of unction, Oblation of the Body and Blood of Christ (the Lord’s Supper), Absolution (Repentance), Holy leaven (in the bread of the Lord’s Supper), and the Sign of the life-giving cross. The venerate the cross, but do not show a body on the cross. They do not venerate anything else. They do not consider marriage one of the seven sacraments, though it is sacramental. See https://acote.church/sacraments for more info.

Coptic Churches have seven sacraments: the first four are essential for salvation. Baptism (immersion in water three times), Chrismation (confirmation), Repentance and Confession, Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper), Unction of the Sick, Matrimony (marriage), Priesthood). See https://www.copticchurch.net/introduction-to-the-coptic-church/sacraments/index for more info.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) mentions seven sacraments. Part 1 774 p.204. It lists the seven sacraments in part 2 1113 p.289

Eastern Orthodox Churches consider everything in the church sacramental. They name seven specific sacraments (or mysteries): Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Eucharist (The Lord’s Supper), Confession (Repentence), Marriage (Matrimony), Holy Orders (priesthood), and Holy Unction (anointing the sick). See https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/7-sacraments-orthodox-church/ for more info.

X Lutheran churches have three sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper), and Holy Absolution (Confession). Melanchthon also taught a fourth: Ordination. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheran_sacraments for more info.

X Other Protestants recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. See https://www.rca.org/about/worship/sacraments/ for more info.

 

-Os3. Absolution of sin (0)

 

God does not say this in His word, the Bible.

 

No writers prior to Nicea I (325 A.D.).

 

-Os4. Grace obtained through sacraments (0)

 

God does not say this in His word, the Bible.

 

Novatian (250/4-256/7 A.D.) (partial) “For this is He who strengthened their hearts and minds, who marked out the Gospel sacraments, who was in them the enlightener of divine things; and they being strengthened, feared, for the sake of the Lord’s name, neither dungeons nor chains, nay, even trod under foot the very powers of the world and its tortures, since they were henceforth armed and strengthened by the same Spirit, having in themselves the gifts which this same Spirit distributes, and appropriates to the Church, the spouse of Christ,” Novatian Concerning the Trinity ch.29 p.640

 

In later times

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) “The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation.” (italics in the original) Part 2 1129 p.292.This falsely claims to be a reference to 1 Corinthians 11:26; 15:28. Then it says, “’Sacramental grace’ is the grace of the Holy Spirit given by Christ and proper to each sacrament.”

 

-Os5. The Sacraments give life (0)

 

God does not say this in His word, the Bible.

 

No writers prior to Nicea I (325 A.D.).

 

Novatian (250/4-256/7 A.D.) (partial, only mentions gospel sacraments) “or this is He who strengthened their hearts and minds, who marked out the Gospel sacraments,” Treatise Concerning the Trinity ch.29 p.640

 

The Fourth Lateran Council (1215 A.D.) (partial) officially established the seven Roman Catholic sacraments and transubstantiation.

The Coptic Church teaches that Baptism, Chrismation, Repentence, and the Eucharist are essential for salvation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) (partial) mentions “the power of the sacraments”. Part 1 309 p.82

 

-Os6. The Ordinance of Confirmation (0)

 

God does not say this in His word, the Bible.

 

No writers prior to Nicea I (325 A.D.).

 

From the Council of Nicea I until the Council of Ephesus I (325-431 A.D.)

Pacian of Barcelona (342-379/392 A.D.) mentions both baptism and confirmation Letter 1 ch.6.2 p.25

 

The Bible does not specifically list sacraments. However, we are commanded to baptize, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, church elders and deacons were ordained, and the elders prayed for the sick and anointed them with oil.

 

Lutheran churches have three sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper), and Holy Absolution (Confession). Melanchthon also taught a fourth: Ordination. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheran_sacraments for more info.

Other Protestants recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. See https://www.rca.org/about/worship/sacraments/ for more info.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) “The three sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders [ordination] confer, in addition to grace, a sacramental character or ‘seal’ by which the Christian shares in Christ’s priesthood and is made a member of the Church according to different states and functions.” Part 2 1121 p.290

The Roman Catholic Church has seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper), Penance (Repentance), Extreme Unction (last rites), Holy Orders (ordination), and Matrimony (marriage). See https://www.catholicworldmission.org/post/the-seven-sacraments-of-the-catholic-church for more info.

Eastern Orthodox Churches consider everything in the church sacramental. They name seven specific sacraments (or mysteries): Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Eucharist (The Lord’s Supper), Confession (Repentence), Marriage (Matrimony), Holy Orders (priesthood), and Holy Unction (anointing the sick). See https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/7-sacraments-orthodox-church/ for more info.

Coptic Churches have seven sacraments: the first four are essential for salvation. Baptism (immersion in water three times), Chrismation (confirmation), Repentance and Confession, Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper), Unction of the Sick, Matrimony (marriage), Priesthood). See https://www.copticchurch.net/introduction-to-the-coptic-church/sacraments/index for more info.

Nestorians (Assyrian Church of the East) have seven sacraments: The priesthood, Holy baptism, Oil of unction, Oblation of the Body and Blood of Christ (the Lord’s Supper), Absolution (Repentance), Holy leaven (in the bread of the Lord’s Supper), and the Sign of the life-giving cross. The venerate the cross, but do not show a body on the cross. They do not venerate anything else. They do not consider marriage one of the seven sacraments, though it is sacramental. See https://acote.church/sacraments for more info.

 

-Os7. Last Rites (Roman Catholic Unction) (0)

 

James 5:14 (partial, if sick, not about to die and no priest)

So having last rites is neither scriptural nor anti-scriptural.

 

No writers prior to Nicea I (325 A.D.).

 

Council of Trent 15.1 first codified unction.

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) mentions the sacrament of unction or last rites. Part 2 1113 p.289

Protestants (partial) will come and pray with people when they are sick or close to death. Sometimes they will bring oil and anoint the sick person too. But they do not consider it a sacrament.

X Eastern Orthodox also have something called Unction. But it is different; if it always Wednesday before Easter. It is anointing for healing the body and soul and for forgiveness of sins.

X The Coptic Church has a sacrament called Unction, or also called Kandeel, or the sacrament of the lamps. The person is asked to pray for forgiveness of their sins first, and then they are anointed for healing of their body and soul. The Coptic church believes this is one of the seven sacraments, but their seven sacraments are different than the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

X Nestorians (Assyrian Church of the East) also have something called the oil of unction, but it is different than all the others. Similar to ordination, it is an anointing with oil for priests and those called for special service to God. Nestorians say this is one of the seven sacraments. But there seven sacraments are different than the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Coptic churches.

Pre-Nicene Differences on Other Sacraments Grid – May 2026

 

 

Legend for Cells

-Os1. Confession to a priest (1-0)

-Os7. The Ordinance of Confirmation (0)

W = wrote explicitly on this

-Os2. Sevent sacraments (0)

-Os8. Last rites (Unction) (0)

I = Implied

-Os3. Baptized normally immersed or sprinkled (0)

 

m = Mixed or Inconsistent

-Os4. Absolution of sin (0)

 

P = partial

-Os5. Grace obtained through sacraments (0)

 

- = no reference found

-Os6. The Sacraments give life (0)

 

X = Disagree

Rows: white=Christian writer, orange=schism, pink=strange writer

Christian writer

Pages

Date A.D.

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

 

 

 

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

 

 

 

 

Clement of Rome (wrote 1 Clement)

16.25

96/98

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Papias of Hierapolis, disciple of John

2

95-110

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

“Presbyters” (Papias?)

0.5

-95-117

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Ignatius disciple of John (shortest version)

13

c.100-117

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Didache (=Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)

4.75

c.60-120

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Apology of Aristides (Greek version)

4

125-161

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Quadratus of Athens fragment (apologist)

.125

126

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Epistle of Barnabas

12.5

c.70-130

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

2 Clement (anonymous writer)

5.75

120-140

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Polycarp to the Philippians

3.5

100-155

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Mathetes to Diognetus – teaching a disciple

5.25

c.130-200

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Apostolic fathers totals: all symbols except P

67.5

-155

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

Shepherd of Hermas (= Hermas, = The Pastor)

46.5

c.115-155

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Justin Martyr, philosopher, apologist

116.5

c.138-165

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Evarestus Martyrdom of Polycarp

5

c.169

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Tatian's Diatessaron

86

c.172

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum (Lyons)

6.5

177

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Athenagoras (apologist)

33.5

177

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Melito/Meleto of Sardis (Quartodecimian)

11

170-177

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Hegesippus (chronicler)

2.5

170-180

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Theophilus of Antioch (to Autolycus)

32

168-181/188

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Irenaeus of Lyons, disciple of Polycarp

284.75

182-188

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs -died 180 A.D.

0.75

180-202

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Caius and the Muratorian Canon (Latin)

3

190-217

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas

7

c.201/205

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Serapion of Antioch -against Marcion, Montanists

1.333

191/200-210

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

The Octavius of Minucius Felix

25

210 A.D.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Clement of Alexandria

389

193-202

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Tertullian

891

198-220

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Hippolytus, pupil of Irenaeus (undisputed)

218

222-235/236

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Theodotus the probable Montanist

7.75

ca.240

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Instructions of Commodianus

16

ca.240

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Julius Africanus (undisputed writings)

9

232-245

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs

1.5

< 250

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Origen (heterodox teacher)

1005.15

225-253/254

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Novatian (his schism lasted over 200 years)

38.5

250/254-257

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Treatise Against Novatian

6.5

254-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Treatise on Rebaptism

11

c.250-258

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Cyprian of Carthage (against Novatian)

250.5

c.246-258

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Roman church leaders (letters 2,29,30)

1+4.75

250-251

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Lucian et al. (letters 16, 21)

.875

250-251

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Moyses, et al. to Cyprian (letter 25)

2.5

250

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Maximus, et al. to Cyprian (letter 49)

0.25

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Firmilian of Caesarea to Cyprian (letter74)

7.25

256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Seventh Council of Carthage (85 bishops)

7.25

258

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Pontius’ The Life and Passion of Cyprian

7.5

258

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Theognostus of Alexandria (Origenist)

0.5

260

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Gregory Thaumaturgus (undisputed works)

28.5

240-265

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Dionysius of Alexandria (Origenist)

39.5

246-265

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Malchion (Against Paul of Samosata)

0.25

270

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Pierius of Alexandria (fragment)

0.5

275

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Adamantius Dialog on the True Faith in God

42

c.300

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Arnobius Against the Heathen (undisputed)

126.5

297-303

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Victorinus of Petau, Austria –commentator

18.5

-304

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Pamphilus disciple of Pierius (Origenist)

2.75

309

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Creed of Lucian of Antioch

0.3

c.300-311

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Peter of Alexandria (undisputed)

8.5

306-311

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Hesychius [Egypt],Pachomius,Phileas,Theodorus

1

-311

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Methodius (corrected Origen’s followers)

79.5

270-311/312

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Council of Arles I, France. 26-44 bishops.

0.333

Aug. 314

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Council of Neocaesarea (Basil and c.19 others).

1.333

c.315

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon by Theophilus

5.5

event c.315

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Athanasius Against the Heathen & Incarnation

56

318

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Lactantius, tutor of Constantine’s son

305.5

303-325

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Alexander of Alexandria-Origenist, undisputed

11.5

313-326

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

Eusebius of Caesarea

1055.4

318-325

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

25 others that do not have references.

49.11

170-325

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

92 Christian writer totals: all symbols except P’s + Eusebius of Caesarea prior to 325 A.D.

4425+

1055.4

up to 325:

1-0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

Christian writer

Pages

Date A.D.

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

Os

 

 

 

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8