Ordinance

In Christian theology, ordinances refer to sacred practices instituted by Christ, primarily Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which serve as outward signs of inward grace and are essential to the faith community.

The ordinances were established in the context of Jesus' ministry and the early church, serving as foundational practices for Christian identity and community life.

• Baptism
• The Lord's Supper (Communion)
• Covenant Relationship
• Obedience to Christ

1. Matthew 28:19Jesus commands His followers to baptize, establishing it as a vital practice for the church.
2. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25Paul recounts Jesus' words during the Last Supper, underscoring the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice through communion.

1. Matthew 28:19-20The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to baptize all nations, establishing baptism as a key ordinance.
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Paul's account of the Last Supper, emphasizing the significance of the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
3. Acts 2:38Peter's call to repentance and baptism as a response to the Gospel, highlighting the importance of baptism in the early church.

• Participate in baptism as a public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ.
• Engage in the Lord's Supper regularly to remember Christ's sacrifice and strengthen community bonds.
• Encourage others to understand the significance of these ordinances in their spiritual journey.

• Ordinances serve as visible signs of God's grace and the believer's faith.
• They reinforce the community aspect of the church, uniting believers in shared practices.
• Baptism signifies the believer's initiation into the faith and the Lord's Supper signifies ongoing fellowship with Christ.

• Baptism

  Baptism is one of the two primary ordinances, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

• The Lord's Supper

  The Lord's Supper is the second ordinance, commemorating Christ's sacrifice and fostering community among believers.