There were only two ordinances (or practices) commanded by Christ and the Apostles.
Baptism – A believer identifies with Christ’s sacrificial death
The Breaking of Bread – A believer remembers the death of Christ
What is Baptism?
The Greek word “baptizo” means: | To immerse in water. The word is used for dying a garment. |
Baptism took place where there was a lot of water, such as a river: | John the Baptist baptised at the Jordan river (John 3:23) The Ethiopian eunuch was baptised when he saw water (Acts 8:36) |
When does baptism take place?
Baptism is always the result of belief | Acts 16:30-33; 8:36, 37 |
And the desire to change one’s life | Acts 2:37, 38 |
Baptism is necessary for salvation
He that believes and is baptised shall be saved | Mark 16:16 |
Even Jesus (who never sinned) was baptised | Matthew 3:14, 15 |
Baptism into Jesus Christ is necessary (John’s Baptism was only for repentance) | Acts 19:4, 5 |
It is not enough to live a good life and do good things – Cornelius was told to go to Peter who would tell him “what to do” (v6) | Acts 10:2 Cornelius was baptised (verse 47) |
Baptism involves the forgiveness of our sins. | Acts 22:16 |
Baptism is a symbol for:
In baptism we share in the death of Christ |
“We are buried with him by baptism unto death” (Romans 6:4) |
Baptism symbolising dying to our old way of life, to sin. |
“our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed.”(Romans 6:6)“be dead unto sin but alive unto God” (v11) |
Coming out of the water after baptism, is sharing in the resurrection of Christ, so that we live a new life. |
“like as Christ was raised up from the dead .. so we should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) |
We have changed masters, from serving sin and self, to serving God |
“you were the servants of sin… now you are the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17, 18) |
Baptism is like a new birth |
“born of water” (John 3:3-5)becoming “a new creature” (2 Cor 5:17) |
Baptism is symbolic of a life of denial |
“Crucify the flesh” Galatians 5:24“crucified with Christ” Galatians 2:20“bearing the dying..” 2 Corinthians 4:10 |