Chapter 6: The Ordinances: Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe Christ gave his church two ordinances: water baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion).

Water baptism. Baptism is for those who have repented and believed, by immersion in water. It pictures the believer’s union with Christ in death and resurrection. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Believers are baptized after they believe (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:36-39), as Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19).

The Lord’s Supper. Believers remember Christ’s death with the bread and the cup: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). It is to be taken with self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Where the traditions stand. The Assemblies of God, Foursquare, and Evangelical Baptists all practise believer’s baptism by immersion and hold that baptism does not itself save but is an act of obedience and testimony. Evangelical Baptists give this special weight and hold that infant baptism has no support in Scripture. Both ordinances are understood as symbols and remembrances, not as sacraments that convey saving grace by themselves.

Carry this verse: “This do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).