Day 343

Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Chapter 28, Paragraph 1.

“Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 28:19,20

1 Corinthians 11:26

Reflection

As Christians, we have been called out by Jesus and are united to Him through His life, death, and resurrection. Since we are united to Jesus, we are united to every other saint, as they are also in union with Him. Jesus directs us to gather together as local churches to worship Him. He also directs us to obey His commands. Two commands in particular churches are to observe: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

What is an ordinance? An ordinance is an authoritative decree. Jesus Christ Himself decreed that the church is to observe the Lord’s Supper: “…He broke it and said,…’Do this in remembrance of Me'” (1 Corinthians 11:25). He also directly commands that the disciples be baptized. These ordinances have been given by Jesus. They are positive commands, meaning that they are to be followed in this day and age. The Old Testament saints were not sinning by not being baptized or observing the Lord’s Supper, for those were not commanded of them. All of us who are Christians, however, are to obey the Lord in being baptized and taking communion.

There will be no baptism and the Lord’s Supper after the end of the world. All who have been called out will be with Jesus Himself at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Until that day comes, the church continues to enter the waters of baptism and come together for the Lord’s Supper.

Questions to Consider

• If you are a Christian, have you been baptized? Do you partake of the Lord’s Supper?