The Ordinances of the Church

There are two ordinances of the church, Water Baptism by immersion and Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. 

Both ordinances directly and symbolically relate to our salvation through Jesus Christ and His atoning death.  While there are many biblical practices the church adheres to, these two ordinances stand out as the command of Scripture for all believers in Christ.  There is nothing mystical about the ordinances. They are symbolic of the true spiritual work of the Lord Jesus in the life of the Christian. Further, these ordinances do not impute grace to the believer. Keeping these ordinances are acts of obedience that will strengthen our faith and commitment to Christ.

Baptism in Water

The ordinance of water baptism by immersion is commanded in the Word of God. Each person who has repented of their sins and believes on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. By being baptized they declare to the world that they have been crucified with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.

Why Should I Be Baptized in Water by Immersion?

Water Baptism is:

1. The Example of our Lord Jesus Christ Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized byYou, and are You coming to me?" But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."  Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

2. An Act of Obedience Matthew 28:19

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Mark 16:16
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

3. An Outward Demonstration of Our Repentance Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

4. A Testimony to the World Acts 2:41

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

5.  The Example of the Apostles Acts 10:47-48

"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

6.  A Memorial of Jesus’ Death Romans 6:3-4a

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death...

7. Our Spiritual Identification with Christ’s Resurrection Romans 6:4b

…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.