In fulfilling these spiritual duties Christians are reminded of an important work that has already taken place in the heart of the believer.
Baptism in Water
The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (not sprinkling) is commanded in
the Scriptures (Mark 16:16). All who repent and believe on Jesus Christ as a
personal Savior and Lord are to be so baptized. This act of baptism symbolically
declares to everyone that the old sinful life and life -style of the baptized
believer died with Christ at salvation and a new spiritual being has been raised
with Christ (in His resurrection) to live a new life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16;
Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).
Holy Communion
The Lord's Supper or Communion, consisting of bread and the fruit of the vine
(grape juice), is a memorial of Christ's suffering and death (1 Corinthians
11:26). In eating and drinking the symbols of Christ's suffering and death, the
believer expresses his awareness that through salvation he, (1) has been made
right with God, and (2) shares the divine nature of eternal life through our
Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The ordinance also looks forward to Christ's
second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26) for it is a reminder to proclaim the Lord's
death "until he comes!"
Importance of this doctrine: Water baptism and Communion are not simply religious customs. Both embody the central message of the Christian faith. Water baptism is a one-time event in which the new believer announces publicly that he is now a child of God who has identified with Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. Communion is a periodic (often monthly) reminder that the believer has received his free salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both ordinances focus regular attention on the central truth of Christianity.
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FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD
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