ORDINANCES
OF THE CHURCH
The
Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church, established two ordinances for
the Church to follow: Water Baptism and Communion. Baptism in water,
by full immersion, is a direct commandment of our Lord. While it is
not necessary for salvation, it is for all believers. This ordinance
is an outward sign of an inward work. It symbolizes a believer's
identification with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection.
The
ordinance of Communion is also a commandment of the Lord Jesus that
must be received consistently until His return. Only believers can
come to the Table of the Lord, which consists of the bread and the
cup. The bread speaks of His body, which was broken for us. The cup
speaks of His blood that was shed for us. Both elements are witnesses
of the New Covenant believers now enjoy while prophetically declaring
His soon return.
