The Church’s Ordinances

More Than a Building: The Church’s Ordinances

Various Scriptures

Ordinances are not traditions, but things God has specifically instructed the church to do.

The TWO ordinances of the church…

1. Believer’s baptism

It’s a . (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38)

It’s a . (Col. 2:12)

It’s a . (Acts 16:14-15)

It’s only for . (I Peter 1:3-5)

It’s by . (Rom. 6:4; Mark 1:10; Acts 8:38-39)

2. Communion

Instituted by at “the last supper.” (Matt. 26, Mark 14, Lk. 22, John 13)

In what sense is it His body and His blood?

Traditional Catholic view (Transubstantiation)…

The elements literally become Christ’s body and blood.

Obvious problem: The work of Christ is presented as unfinished. (Heb. 10:10-14)

The traditional Lutheran view (Consubstantiation)…

Christ’s body and blood are present in the elements.

Obvious problem: Failure to recognize Jesus’ words figuratively. (John 6:63; Rev. 3:20)

The Memorial View…

The elements, merely bread and wine, commemorate Christ’s death.

Obvious problem: It’s too limited. (I Cor. 11:22-26)

Our view of communion…

Jesus (I Cor. 11:24)

His sacrifice (I Cor. 11:26a)

Assure each other of His . (I Cor. 11:26b)

Emphasize with and to Christ and His church. (I Cor. 11:22; 10:21)

Who takes it?

Believers in proper fellowship with a local church who have done adequate self-examination. (I Cor. 11:27–32)

When should we take communion?