X
info

WHAT WE BELIEVE - The Ordinances of the Church

Sacraments or Ordinances?

New Testament church emphasized relationship instead of ritual.

  • The word sacrament can imply that special grace is bestowed on those who perform these rites.
  • To make it clear that we understand baptism and communion to be symbolic, we use the word ordinance


Water Baptism
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:13-17

Why?

  • It was a way to be recognized publicly by His predecessor.
  • It allowed Jesus to identify with sinners.
  • He was showing His approval of John’s ministry.
  • It provided an opportunity to show the triune nature of God.



Jesus’ disciples baptized.
John 3:22; 4:1-2

We are all called to baptize.
Matthew 28:19


The purpose of baptism:

  • We publicly identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection.
    Romans 6:4-5
  • We are not saved because we are baptized; we are baptized because we are saved.
    1. Baptism has meaning only for believers.
    2. Baptism has no meaning for infants.


We baptize by immersion.

  • Greek baptizo means “to submerge”.
  • The method used in the New Testament involved individuals going into the water.
  • It best fits the symbolism of burial and resurrection.


We baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  
Matthew 28:19

Holy Communion
Holy Communion, also referred to as "The Lord's Supper," consists of bread or wafers and the fruit of the vine. Believers in Jesus Christ share communion to remember His death and look forward to His return. It is also an expression of the believers' shared divine nature of the Christ.

Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The term Holy Communion comes from
1 Corinthians 10:16.

The communion emblems are symbols.

  • The cup represents the blood of Christ. Mark 14:24
  • We do not believe that the communion emblems are literally the body and blood of Jesus (transubstantiation).


We participate in Holy Communion…

  • 1 Corinthians 11:26
  • In remembrance of Jesus
  • To proclaim His death until He comes


Always prepare for communion.
1 Corinthians 11:27-30

  • Do not eat and drink in an unworthy manner.
  • Examine yourselves.
  • Do not eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ.



Notes
Bible
Additional Media