Celebrations of Faith
To “celebrate” means to observe or commemorate. It is also to make known publicly and to proclaim. Well, there are certain aspects of our faith that we should celebrate, or certain times of significance that we should proclaim and make known for all to see. This is accomplished through what we call ordinances.
An ordinance as we know it is a symbolic act or an outward symbol that represents a divine truth. It is something that is demonstrated on the outside, which represents something that has already happened in our hearts. The ordinances that we celebrate were also instituted and established by the Lord Jesus Christ himself, which make them mandatory, rather than optional.
Baptism
The ordinance of Baptism follows the conscious decision to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Notice the word “follows”. It comes after salvation. Not before. Not during. Some believe that baptism is essential to salvation. But the scriptures do not teach that. However, since Jesus who is our Lord and Savior was baptized, surely we should follow his lead. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 says, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. The Apostle Peter taught that every believer should be baptized after repenting of sins. “Repent and be baptized every one of you”. So, it is clear we should be baptized.
It is also clear that immersion (going under the water) is the correct method of baptism. It symbolizes being buried with Christ, and we died to our sins. However, being immersed, and then coming out of the water, symbolizes being resurrected to life anew. (Gal. 2:20; Romans 6:2-4). There is nothing about the water that washes sin…only the blood of Jesus!
Holy Communion
Holy Communion, which is also known as Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance of remembrance. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me”. So, in the simplest terms, Communion helps us to remember Jesus. It consists of eating bread that has been broken and drinking wine. Though, we use grape juice instead for more practical reasons. We will refer to them as the bread and the juice.
More specifically, he wanted us to remember certain things about him. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, he said the bread represented his body, which was broken for us, and the cup (referring to the wine), represents the new covenant in his blood. He said every time you partake of this remember him.
The scriptures indicate that this time of remembering is wide ranging. We should remember his death on the cross. We should remember the suffering he experienced on our behalf. We should use it as a time of thanksgiving and self-reflection, even unto repentance. Finally, we should use it as a time of acknowledging our unity in Christ.
It is a most sacred time, and is encouraged to do regularly, even though scripture doesn’t give frequency guidelines. It just says in verse 25, “as often as you drink (and eat)”. On a personal level, I think it is one of the most beautiful expressions in the Christian faith. It says, “Lord, I will never forget what you did?” When I personalize it in that manner, it means more than words can express.
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