Two Ordinances

As we work our way through discipleship topics, it is important to remember that God’s Word is our sole authority for both faith and practice. In other words, the Bible teaches us what we ought to believe and how we ought to live. That is not popular in today’s culture. People want to live their “own truth,” which means they want to do what they want to do. They don’t want to be told what is right or wrong. But that is not the way of a Christian. We choose to submit our own will and way to God’s, trusting that He knows better than we do what is best for us. His goal for our lives is to make us more like Christ—for our good and His glory.

So, what does the Bible say about ordinances? Protestant denominations believe that two ordinances are taught in the Scriptures: the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, and baptism. The Lord’s Supper consists of taking a piece of unleavened bread and grape juice in remembrance of Jesus’ broken body and shed blood for our sins. Baptism is the act whereby a Christian chooses to be immersed in water to identify with Christ in a picture of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox denominations call these acts sacraments, and they observe several others, as well; however, no Scriptural example or command exists for ordinances practiced outside of the Protestant tradition.

In fact, the Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, holy communion (eucharist), marriage (matrimony), holy orders, confession (penance), and anointing of the sick (www.differencebetween.com). While many of these actions are not wrong in and of themselves, they do not hold the meaning that Catholics ascribe to them.

What is the difference between a sacrament and an ordinance, you ask? The Roman Catholic Church believes that the partaking of sacraments is a means of attaining grace. Specifically, they teach that taking communion and being baptized are necessary to obtain salvation (www.gotquestions.org). But this is not biblically accurate.

The Bible teaches plainly that salvation and grace are gifts from God, and we can do nothing to earn them. Repeatedly, Paul emphasizes this truth with verbs such as: grace given, grace bestowed, grace poured out, grace received, and so on.

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)

“But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Romans 5:15)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11:5-6)

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…” (Romans 12:6)

And most convincingly of all:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Through these verses, we see that we can do nothing to earn or be deserving of grace—not even baptism or taking communion. So why do we continue to practice these ordinances? Well, there are a couple of reasons.

First, Christ commanded us to do so.

At the last supper in the upper room, just before Jesus was betrayed and put on the cross, He said this:

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

Although Jesus had not yet died—had not yet given his body to be broken and his blood to be shed—He was establishing a way for His followers to remember His sacrifice for their sins. And we continue that tradition today.

And after the resurrection, just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave this command:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Again, baptism (water immersion) is a picture of our union with Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—at work in our lives to change us into His likeness in word and deed. There is a tangible element (bread, juice of the vine, and water) that physically reminds us of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Second, by observing both the Lord’s supper and baptism, a Christian is willingly identifying with Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.

In many cultures and religions, when a believer chooses to be baptized, he is ostracized, shunned, and often persecuted by those he has left behind, even his immediate family. Following Christ comes with a high price, and baptism is a strong indicator of the seriousness of a person’s decision.

The Lord’s Supper also provides an opportunity for believers to examine their own hearts’ commitment and faithfulness to God and the Word. Paul warns us:

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” (I Corinthians 11:28-32)

As we take time to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays, so must we remember our commitment to the Lord and re-focus on our relationship with Him. Baptism and communion services provide us with opportunities to do just that.

How often should a Christian practice these ordinances? Baptism only needs to happen one time, as the example of Jesus Himself shows us. (Matthew 3:13-17) We frequently call this ordinance “Believer’s Baptism,” as an unsaved person has no reason to be baptized. It is simply an identification with Christ and a tangible proof of one’s desire to walk with the Lord. Of course, witnessing new believers as they follow the Lord’s example in baptism also reminds us to reflect on our commitment to Him.

The practice of the Lord’s Supper is not assigned an exact frequency. The Lord simply says, “As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup….” Churches vary in their practices from weekly to monthly to quarterly and even yearly. The point is that we do it. Make it a priority to be at the services when your church is observing the Lord’s supper.

While neither communion nor baptism will bring you more grace from God (His all-sufficient grace has already been given to you when you accept Him as your Savior), it is important to obey all the commands of God. Taking these first steps of obedience will set you on the right path for knowing and doing His will.