Term

ex opere operato

The Roman Catholic teaching that sacraments are effective by the virtue of the act performed, independent of the participant's subjective faith.

Filed underHistorical TheologyEcclesiology

Definition

A Latin phrase meaning 'by the work performed.' In Roman Catholic teaching the phrase is used to indicate that the sacraments, such as baptism, work in virtue of the actual activity done independent of the subjective attitude of faith in the participants.

Connections

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Related to: baptism (liturgical)Term

Sources

1.Wayne A. Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020). 50B.3Original citation: Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020, 50B.3.

Last revised August 14, 2026