The Two Ordinances
Jesus gave these ordinances to his disciples. They are symbols of powerful spiritual truth. God Blesses his people through them. They unite all God’s people across the world.
Recommended reading: The Five Global Truths
1. the Lord’s supper
For 2000 years Christians have practiced the Lord’s supper. It’s often called “communion”. It’s a ceremonial meal which Jesus gave to his disciples:
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; break this bread in memory of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new agreement made with my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again.
The Lord’s supper, or “communion” is often practiced on Sunday worship. At the Lord’s supper, rich and poor, old and young, and different ethnicities may gather as one family. Before taking communion, disciples may remember what sins may have been committed during the last week. They may also reconcile with a brother or sister whom they have offended. When taking the meal, they remember how Jesus was punished in their place – that Jesus body was broken and his blood was shed for them. We remember and thank him together.
We do this always, waiting for him to come again.
2. Baptism
After God raised Jesus back to life he spent time with his disciples. Jesus ate with them and walked with them. Before returning to heaven he commanded them,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. Baptise them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When people repent from sin and believe the good news of Jesus, they “go into the water.” This ceremony is called “baptism” and it has rich meaning. Firstly, being baptised into his name means a new identity in Jesus – we become a part of him. Secondly, it symbolises how God washes away our sin once and for all – he makes us clean. Thirdly, it symbolises we have died, been buried and raised again with Jesus – God has given us a new eternal life with him.
Just as Jesus washes away our sins once and for all, each believer is baptised once. It’s the first step of a whole new life with Jesus.
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