Study 12: Baptism & The Lord’s Supper
The two things commanded by Christ as a sign and seal of His work are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are each termed an ordinance, something commanded by Christ.
These ordinances do not save in themselves, but they are precious gifts from the Lord. They point us to Christ, strengthen faith, and help us confess openly that we belong to Him.
Before you begin
It is important to look up the Bible references and think carefully about what they say, so that you can see for yourself the Bible’s teaching. This study helps us think about two ordinances Christ has given to His people.
We should not approach these things superstitiously or lightly. They are not empty ceremonies, nor are they magical acts. They are Christ-given signs and seals that point us to His saving work.
This study at a glance
Baptism points to Christ’s saving work
It is an outward sign of an inward change and symbolises what God has done.
Baptism is for believers
The pattern in the New Testament is faith in Christ followed by baptism.
The Lord’s Supper is for repentant believers
It is a sign, a pledge, and an act of communion in the setting of church fellowship.
Baptism
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. The water does not itself accomplish anything. It merely symbolises what has already taken place.
The word baptism is from a Greek word meaning to dip or immerse. A person is immersed in water and baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
What does baptism symbolise?
Union with Christ
Read Romans 6:1-6.
Washing away of sins
Read Acts 22:16.
Initiation
Read Acts 2:37-41.
Receiving of the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 2:37-38.
Sealing one’s relationship to Christ
Read Ephesians 1:13-14.
Who are suitable candidates for baptism?
Believers in Christ.
All the illustrations in the New Testament are of those who have believed. Where a household is mentioned there is no reason to believe it included unbelievers. If baptism symbolises union, washing, initiation, and receiving of the Spirit, it is difficult to see how it could apply to non-believers, a symbol symbolising what has not yet taken place.
Main texts
- Acts 16:14-15
- Acts 16:31-33
Why this matters
Baptism is tied to faith in Christ and to what God has already done in the believer.
Why then do some people believe in infant baptism?
They link the ordinance with Old Testament circumcision. This was the initiatory rite for male children, indicating they belonged to the covenant people of God, and therefore it is assumed it is right to baptise believers’ children, male and female.
Some also link the rite with what it symbolises and believe it makes them Christians.
Yet the covenant people of God are not now a race or nation, but people from every tribe and nation who believe in Christ. Now regeneration incorporates people into the people of God, and this shows by faith in Christ and is demonstrated by baptism.
How are believers to be baptised?
By immersion. Jesus was immersed.
Why immersion?
The word itself means to dip or immerse, and the New Testament pattern matches this.
Main text
Read Matthew 3:13-17.
Why was Jesus baptised?
He wanted to fulfil all righteousness
He obeyed perfectly in all things appointed by the Father.
He identified with sinners in His redemptive work
Though sinless, He stood with those He came to save.
It signified His own death, burial and resurrection
Baptism points us to the saving work He came to accomplish.
What responsibility is involved in baptism?
Baptism symbolises union with Christ and incorporation into His body. Therefore we should play our full part in the body.
Union with Christ
Baptism points to belonging to Christ.
Incorporation into His body
Read Ephesians 4:4, 5, 15, 16.
Do you have to be baptised to be saved?
No. But if you are saved you will want to be baptised.
Main text
Read Luke 23:43.
Helpful comparison
Read Mark 16:16.
The Lord’s Supper
The biblical basis is found in 1 Corinthians 11:17-26. The Lord commanded us to remember Him until He comes.
Other Gospel passages
- Matthew 26:26-30
- Mark 14:22-26
- Luke 22:17-23
Its central purpose
The Lord commanded us to remember Him until He comes.
What is the Lord’s Supper?
A sign
It symbolises the Lord’s death. Read 1 Corinthians 11:26.
A seal or pledge
Believers who participate have that assurance that they are loved by Christ and are reminded of the evidence of that love. Participation means communion, fellowship, sharing. Read 1 Corinthians 10:14-17.
Where can the Lord’s Supper be held?
In the setting of church fellowship.
- 1 Corinthians 11:18
- 1 Corinthians 11:20
- 1 Corinthians 11:22
Who can take the Lord’s Supper?
Repentant believers.
Main texts
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
- Acts 2:38-42
Note the sequence in Acts
Conversion, baptism, belonging to the church, added to their number, then the Lord’s Supper. Why not keep that sequence now?
You may be wondering
What is the difference between christening and baptism?
In this study baptism is presented as a believers’ ordinance, an outward sign of an inward change, following faith in Christ. It is not the same as a ceremony performed on someone who does not yet believe.
Does baptism itself make someone a Christian?
No. The water does not itself accomplish anything. It symbolises and confirms what has already taken place.
Why is immersion emphasised?
Because the word baptism means to dip or immerse, and the New Testament pattern, including Jesus’ baptism, fits that meaning.
How should a Christian come to the Lord’s Supper?
As a repentant believer, remembering Christ, valuing fellowship with Him and His people, and seeking to benefit spiritually from what the ordinance signifies.
Reflection and response
Take time over these questions and answer them carefully from Scripture.
- What is the difference between ‘christening’ and baptism?
- You invite a friend to a baptism and they ask you what does it mean. How would you answer?
- What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper, how should a Christian prepare to come, and how should he benefit from it?
A simple prayer before moving on
Keep going
Having considered baptism and the Lord’s Supper, return to the course home page, review any studies you need again, and take the next step of growing in a faithful Bible-teaching church.
