Some churches use the term sacraments instead of ordinances.  Sacraments, however, convey for many the idea that a spiritual work takes place in a person when the sacrament is received or experienced.  Our church chooses to call water baptism and Holy Communion ordinances because they are religious practices ordained and established by Jesus himself.

In fulfilling these spiritual duties Christians are reminded of an important work that has already taken place in the heart of the believer.

Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (not sprinkling) is commanded in the Scriptures (Mark 16:16).  All who repent and believe on Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord are to be baptized.  This act of baptism symbolically declares to everyone that the old sinful nature and lifestyle of the baptized believer died with Christ at salvation and a new spiritual being has been raised with Christ through His resurrection to live a new life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).

Holy Communion

The Lord's Supper or Communion, consisting of bread and the fruit of the vine (grape juice), is a memorial of Christ’s suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26).  In eating and drinking the symbols of Christ’s suffering and death, the believer expresses his awareness that through salvation they (1) have been made right with God, and (2) share the divine nature of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4).  The ordinance also looks forward to Christ’s second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26) for it is a reminder to proclaim the Lord’s death “until He comes”!