Sacramental System

A sacrament by Catholic definition is an outward rite whereby grace is given. In some cases it is a religious action whereby good is perceived to be accomplished. Grace given through an outward sign or action.

The Apostle Paul taught against the sacramental system in Romans 6. More on that in a moment. Just realize that in Catholic thought there are 7 sacraments whereby grace is perceived to be administered.

Marriage

Baptism

Confirmation

Eucharist

Penance.

Extreme Unction

Orders

Notice that in Catholicism each of these is altered from the New Testament pattern to some degree. Infant baptism for instance is a deviation from scriptural baptism. The Catholic idea of Eucharist differs from the Lord's Supper. Penance is different than repentance. Confirmation differs from simply confessing the Gospel.

In sacraments all rites are based upon authority of a selected priest or authorized person. In Catholicism you need special authority to perform the rite.

It is these types of deviations that Paul is speaking against in Romans 6. Catholics made fundamental changes, deviating from Christ's ways and methods, to procure perceived graces.

Rom 6:1  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Rom 6:2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans is a letter by Paul that highlights obedience of faith over human invention. Paul is teaching on the obedience of faith vs deviation for functional reasons. Deviation, even if is has perceived good, is still sinful. Continueing in human authority not required by God was sin.

Some in Rome were teaching that deviating from God's commands or word was ok if it led to a grace such as a sacrament. An example In modern thought  is that same sex marriage is supported on the grounds that all marriage has as its foundation love of another human being. Marriage demonstrates the love whether hetero or homo sexual. Thus the product is the grace of love and commitment.

If performed by an authorized priest even homosexual marriage will be accepted by God, for the power is in the priest.

A sinful act  or deviation is allowed if it brings forth a perceived grace. This is the foundation of most Catholic dogma.

In the Garden of Eden Eve saw the fruit was good for food, though forbidden, it was good for food. As Genesis 2 says all the fruits God made were good for food.

Gen 2:9  And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

An intrinsic good does not overcome when God has forbidden an act.

Infant baptism, though not truly scriptural, was allowed because it brought forth a grace when the parent makes a vow to teach the child. This commitment would then guarantee the teaching of the child.Thus a deviation that has a perceived grace.

Paul lets the Romans know that true obedience is better.

Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

We need to never think that our perceived good in an act should be wiser than God's commands. ie There may be wisdom in having a Papacy, or seperated Priesthood, or infant baptism, but all could violate God's intent for the church.