Reflecting on Truth #43
Q: What are the ordinances?
A: The ordinances given by God and instituted by Christ, namely baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are visible signs and seals that we are bound together as a community of faith by his death and resurrection. By our use of them the Holy Spirit more fully declares and seals the promises of the gospel to us.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:19–20)
Why does this matter?
According to Scripture, there are two ordinances that the church ought to observe. The first is baptism, which is once for all. The second is the Lord’s Supper, which is regular and ongoing. These are called ordinances because Jesus commands us to do them.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not just personal or individual experiences, but rather the two demonstrate that we belong to the new covenant community, a people set apart for God and who belong to Jesus. The Westminster Confession describes baptism and the Lord’s Supper such that the two ordinances “put a visible difference between those that belong to the church and the rest of the world.”
Furthermore, these two are described as signs and seals. As signs, baptism and the Lord’s Supper symbolize the gospel, the blessings of salvation, forgiveness of sins, reception of the Spirit, and communion with Christ. As seals, the two ordinances communicate God’s blessings to us and stir up our faith which receives these blessings. Whereas the preaching of the Word makes the gospel audible, the observance of the ordinances makes the gospel visible. God uses both means, also known as the ordinary means of grace, to bless the church and to stir up our faith.What does this mean for us?
What does this mean for us?
This means that we must not overlook or undervalue these two ordinances of Christ. Jesus gave these commands to the church, that is, to be baptized and to observe the Lord’s Supper. We should not treat these ordinances in a light or superficial manner, as though baptism is just a time to be dunked in water in front of the church, or that the Lord’s Supper is a time to see what this week’s cracker tastes like and to quench our thirst with juice. We should be thankful for the ordinances of Christ. We should learn to honor them, to look to God through them, to expect from God the communication of his grace and peace.
On the other hand, we must not idolize nor abuse the ordinances. Scripture warns us that we ought not abuse the Lord’s Supper to be a time for drunkenness and gluttony. Furthermore, we must not delegate to the ordinances purposes for which these were not given. The ordinances do not contain in themselves, or conveying of themselves, the salvation of God to man. Baptism does not save. The Lord’s Supper does not save. The two ordinances have no power to forgive sins. We must not rest in the ordinances as an end, but we must observe them as the Scripture teaches us, and we must use them as means for our sanctification.
May we observe the ordinances of Christ according to the Word of God. May we not use or exalt them in any way that causes us to neglect Jesus to whom they point.