7. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.
The church is entrusted with the administration of two important ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Water baptism is a public identification with Christ as Savior and Lord for those who have come to believe in Him (Acts 2:38-41, 8:35-39, Colossians 1:11-12, Romans 6:1-5). It is an outward sign of an inward reality. The mode closest to the biblical example is immersion. The function of the Lord’s Supper is to regularly remind believers of Christ's sacrifice on their behalf and the New Covenant of which they are beneficiaries. This act proclaims Christ until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It should be preceded by careful self-examination and confession of sin (1 Corinthians 11:28). The Lord’s Supper is a very special reminder of the spiritual benefit of Christ's work, but it has no metaphysical connection with the real presence of Christ. And as any work, these two ordinances have no saving merit in themselves.
The church is entrusted with the administration of two important ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Water baptism is a public identification with Christ as Savior and Lord for those who have come to believe in Him (Acts 2:38-41, 8:35-39, Colossians 1:11-12, Romans 6:1-5). It is an outward sign of an inward reality. The mode closest to the biblical example is immersion. The function of the Lord’s Supper is to regularly remind believers of Christ's sacrifice on their behalf and the New Covenant of which they are beneficiaries. This act proclaims Christ until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It should be preceded by careful self-examination and confession of sin (1 Corinthians 11:28). The Lord’s Supper is a very special reminder of the spiritual benefit of Christ's work, but it has no metaphysical connection with the real presence of Christ. And as any work, these two ordinances have no saving merit in themselves.
Part of an ongoing series about what I believe about basic biblical teachings. “Credo” is Latin for “I Believe.”
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