The Ordinances


The ordinances are defined as Baptism, Feet Washing and the Lord’s Supper. The scriptures instruct us to practise all of them.

Baptism:
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Baptism is an outward sign of an inward work of salvation. Baptism does not save you. You must first be saved from your sins in order to be a candidate for baptism. Jesus showed us the correct way to be baptised: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.” Matthew 3:16. Jesus was immersed in the water. To be sprinkled or have water poured upon you is not baptism. Baptism is not for babies or little children under the age of accountability. It is only for those who have been saved and consciously know what they are doing.

Feet Washing:
John 13:14-17
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Jesus has given clear instruction for His saints to wash one another’s feet. While it is commendable to do good things for one another, it does not take the place of obeying this ordinance, which is expressive of humble servanthood.

The Lord’s Supper:
I Corinthians 11:23-25
“...That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.”

We are instructed to partake of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him. The bread and the grape juice are only symbolical of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, which was sacrificed for us on the cross of Calvary.