Means of Grace

This is associated with sacramental theology. A means of grace is a manner in which the Lord imparts grace to a believer as he partakes in the sacrament. A sacrament is a visible manifestation of the word. The bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are considered sacraments in that they are visible manifestations of the covenant promise of our Lord: "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you,'" (Luke 22:20).  Generally, the means of grace are considered to be the Gospel, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. The Roman Catholic church has seven total: baptism, confirmation, communion, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and matrimony.