Comparison between Orthodox and Protestant view on sacred mysteries

[Transcendentally Challenged]

I've found an interesting research into the subject, which might be of interest to Christians.

A google translate, but it seems decent.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=ru&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ref.by%2Frefs%2F70%2F35456%2F1.html

Since it has heavy Orthodox bias, I'd really like to ask the protestants here, if the main concept of sin in protestantism is really explained in legal terms, and what's your opinion on sacraments - do protestants really tend to view them as little more than 'rites', ignoring the concept of grace?

[Petr]

Since it has heavy Orthodox bias, I'd really like to ask the protestants here, if the main concept of sin in protestantism is really explained in legal terms, and what's your opinion on sacraments - do protestants really tend to view them as little more than 'rites', ignoring the concept of grace?
Holy Spirit blows where He chooses (see John 3:8) - that is, you cannot magically compel Him to be present amongst you, even "against His will", by mere orthodox performance of correct rites. A service can be as formally flawless as possible (with unbroken apostolic pedigrees and all), and yet be utterly without spirit or grace.

But when Christians gather in sincerity and faith to worship, Holy Spirit may well impart extra graces to people enjoying the sacraments, as well as to those who are being prayed for.


Petr

[Transcendentally Challenged]

Holy Spirit blows where He chooses (see John 3:8) - that is, you cannot magically compel Him to be present amongst you, even "against His will", by mere orthodox performance of correct rites. A service can be as formally flawless as possible (with unbroken apostolic pedigrees and all), and yet be utterly without spirit or grace.

But when Christians gather in sincerity and faith to worship, Holy Spirit may well impart extra graces to people enjoying the sacraments, as well as to those who are being prayed for.


Petr

Good point. Yet it makes sense, if you cast out the intermediate step between man and God - the Church which acts in His name and to carry out His will.

Your understanding seems to leave no path to understanding God's will.