THE TWO ORDINANCES
A. What Does the Word Ordinance Mean?
The term ordinance is a word used by the local church to describe any of two commands given by Christ relative to the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ. The root of the term ordinance comes from the word "order" or "commandment." An ordinance is a matter of obedience, and does not provide for or contribute to one's salvation experience.
It is important that a clear distinction be established between an "ordinance" and a "sacrament." An ordinance is a command issued by Jesus Christ, that represents a symbolic identification with Christ. A sacrament, on the other hand is an erroneous practice perpetuated by the early Catholic and Protestant church intending to convey grace to the recipient. The term sacrament comes from the root word that means "sacrifice;" thus, is intended to affect saving merit on behalf of the sinner.
B. Why Were The Ordinances Given?
Although both ordinances were given by Christ to Christians and although both are symbolic, they do have distinct meaning, thus requiring separate evaluation.
- Baptism was proclaimed by Christ: Matthew 28:19-20 The authority for baptism comes from the words of Christ Himself. For one to ignore or pervert the meaning of baptism is to impose upon the will of Christ Himself.
- Baptism was practiced by the Church: Acts 2:41 Lest there be any misunderstanding of the intent of Christ, those who heard Him personally established a practice that was based on their intimate understanding of what Christ meant. Throughout the New Testament we see this practice upheld and honored by those finding Christ as Savior.
- Baptism pictures Christ: Romans 6:1-5 Baptism has a very definite symbolic meaning as described in Romans 6. The immersion under water symbolizes the death of Christ. The act of being under water symbolizes the burial of Christ and the coming out of the water symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. This symbol requires that the only acceptable mode of baptism is immersion.
- Baptism portrays Christ-likeness: Galatians 3:27 Although some may suggest that this verse speaks of Holy Spirit Baptism only, it is felt that the practical application is too obvious to ignore.
1. Baptism
The word baptism when used in the Bible means "immerse;" in fact, there is no place in the Bible where the word means anything other than to "immerse" or "plunge under" or "completely saturate." The word Baptism, however, does not always refer to water Baptism as in the case of the Holy Spirit Baptism (immersion) (I Cor. 12:13).
Baptism is intended as a public picture or symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Rom. 6:1-6), to be submitted to upon ones personal acknowledgment of Christ as Savior (Acts 16:32-33). The immersion of the believer becomes his testimony, that it is his desire to identify with Christ and walk in His footsteps. Four particulars should be remembered when considering the subject of baptism.
Children may be baptized once they show clear testimony that they have received Christ as savior, and demonstrate that they are being baptized for the right reasons and with the right understanding. It is not usually recommended that children be baptized before they are 10 or preferably 12 years old.
2. The Lord's Supper
The second ordinance given to the church is the Lord's Supper, commonly known as communion. This ordinance was initiated by Christ and is recorded in three of the Gospels: Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22 and Luke 22:19. The clear exposition, however, as to what the Lord's Supper means is found in I Cor. 10-11. I Cor. 10:16 explains the Lord's Supper as being a time of communion or fellowship. I Cor. 11:23-25 describes the elements of the Lord's Supper and what they represent. The Bread (unleavened) represents the body of Christ that was broken on the cross. The wine (unfermented) represents the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross.
It should be clearly understood, however, that these elements are symbols only and do not literally turn into the body and blood of Christ. In Matthew 26:26 Jesus says, "Take eat; this is my body." The word "is" in this context means "represents." So the bread and wine do not literally become the body of Christ but is representative only.
As in the ordinance of Baptism, the Lord's Supper provides no saving merit of its own; but if it doesn't save, what value is it? A key word relative to the Lord's Supper is found several times in Scripture - "Remembrance." Luke 22:19, I Cor. 11:24-25. As one partakes of the Lord's Supper, one is to develop a blessed and spiritual communion with Christ through remembering Him. Christians are not immune to forgetfulness, thus we are exhorted to remember Christ through the partaking of the elements.
This remembrance in its final form should produce a close personal worshipful experience. It should be a time of thanksgiving, confession, commitment and spiritual examination and renewal. One is advised not to partake of the Lord's Supper without careful examination and personal discernment (vs. 28-29). Far from providing saving merit to the individual, one is not even qualified to partake until such a one is living in fellowship with Christ.
C. Who Are the Ordinances For?
As previously mentioned, the ordinances are intended for believers only. Prior to baptism, one must give a public and unwavering testimony of faith in Christ and a demonstration of new life. When the Scriptural order is observed (Acts 2:41-42) the Lords Supper should be received by born again, baptized believers only. While there is no Scriptural warrant to "police" or restrict the Lords Supper, it is still required that all be exhorted relative to the Scriptural qualifications. As described in l Cor. 11, the Lord's supper is intended to bring the participant to the point of self-examination. Essentially, during the serving of the Lord's Supper, the life of the believer is confronted by the Cross of Jesus Christ. The effect being that the participant should either refrain, or repent of that which has caused the breakdown of fellowship with Christ.
D. How Often are the Ordinances Practiced?
A baptismal service is held as there is need, whether it be for one or several. It is conducted usually during the evening service, using a specially designed baptismal tank. Each candidate for baptism is shown the baptismal before hand, and every step of the procedure is clearly explained.
The frequency of the Lord's Supper is not mentioned in the Bible, but at its best it should be seldom enough to avoid being a ritual, yet often enough to provide for a personal soul searching and intimate relationship with Christ.