Church History
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class reviewed the transformation of Christian sacraments from the New Testament’s two ordinances—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—to the seven sacraments recognized by the 6th‑century Catholic Church. The teacher explained how infant baptism led to the later addition of confirmation, and how the Lord’s Supper developed into the doctrine of transubstantiation. The discussion then shifted to the penitential system, outlining its four steps—contrition, confession, absolution, and satisfaction—and how these practices gave the clergy control over believers, especially through the concepts of mortal and venial sins, purgatory, and indulgences. Scripture references such as James 5:19‑20 and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19‑31) were examined to show where the medieval Church drew support for purgatory and penitential practices. The teacher highlighted how these medieval teachings persisted until the Reformation, when leaders like Martin Luther challenged their biblical validity. The class concluded by connecting these historical developments to modern Christian understanding and the ongoing need to evaluate tradition against Scripture.
Key Scriptures
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins.