Ordinances
The Bible points up
three Gospel Ordinances: Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the washing of the
Saints' Feet. these ordinances are designed to illustrate the great truths of
the New testament: The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, salvation
through faith in Christ's atoning work, and His second coming at some future
time. Many churches do not
practice the Ordinance of the Washing of the Satins' Feet and this is in no wise
a reflection on those who do not.
Before one is qualified for baptism,
he must repent of sins and accept Christ as his personal Savior (Mark 16:16;
Acts 2:38; 8:12, 13). The order taught in these passages is "belief"
followed by "baptism." Baptism is to be by immersion, in the name of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:16; John 3:23;
Acts 8:35-40).
Baptism is an outward symbol of an
inward change and is simply an expression of a new life (Romans 6:4). It is
always to be regarded as an act of obedience to Christ's command (Matthew
28:19). thus it is a public witness to our faith in Christ's saving grace and of
His second coming again to earth. Every truly regenerated person will want to follow
His Lord and Master in baptism.
Jesus Himself instituted the Lord's Supper
and every sincere Christian will want to take part in this ordinance when it is
observed in his church. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus that was broken
(wounded) for our sins, and the cup is symbolic of His blood that was shed on
the cross for our salvation. Together they represent the Body and Blood of
Christ. Taking these emblems at the Lord's Supper is a constant reminder
of Christ's sacrifices for us.
Before partaking of the Lord's
Supper, one should examine his life carefully. In the light of that which Christ
has done and is doing for us, one should seek forgiveness of any sin in his life
and come to this observance with a clean, pure heart (1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
The Washing of the Saints' Feet was
also instituted by our Lord. This ordinance is designed to show willingness to
humble oneself and serve mankind (Philippians 2:5-8; John 13:4-17). He left a
command that believers cannot afford to ignore; that inasmuch as He had washed
the feet of the disciples, they should follow and perpetuate His example by
washing one another's feet (John 13:13-17).
One of the customs observed in the Roman
army was for the soldiers to come to the city of Rome once a year and renew
their oath of allegiance to their Emperor. Thus, as Christians observe the
Lord's Supper and the Washing of the Saints' Feet, they are renewing their allegiance
to their King, Jesus Christ, who said, "this do in remembrance of me."
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