AG Truth Deep Dive: The Ordinances of the Church

Welcome back to our series, AG Truth Deep Dive. If you’ve been following along, we are walking through the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. These aren't just dry theological statements; they are the bedrock of what we believe and how we live out our faith in a modern, digital world.

Today, we’re looking at Truth #5: The Ordinances of the Church.

In some church circles, you might hear the word "sacrament." In our tradition, we use the word "ordinance." While that might sound like a bit of legal jargon, it’s actually something beautiful. An ordinance is simply a practice that was specifically commanded (or "ordained") by Jesus Himself.

There are two primary ordinances we observe: Baptism in Water and Holy Communion.

Let’s dive into why these two acts are so central to our walk with Christ.

What Exactly is an Ordinance?

Before we get into the "how-to," let’s talk about the "why."

An ordinance is a physical act that points to a spiritual reality. Think of it like a wedding ring. The ring isn't the marriage itself, but it is a powerful, visible symbol of the covenant made between two people.

In the same way, the ordinances are visual aids for the Gospel. They help us remember, celebrate, and testify to what Jesus has done in our lives. Unlike some traditions that believe these acts actually "grant" salvation (sacramentalism), we believe we participate in them because we are already saved. They are acts of obedience and public declarations of our faith.

Whether you are joining us from a late-night shift in Memphis or tuning in from a country where following Jesus is a daily risk, these ordinances unite us as one global body.

Illustration: A modern, minimalist scene showing the intersection of physical elements and spiritual devotion, representing the "outward sign of an inward grace."

1. Baptism in Water

The first ordinance is Water Baptism.

The Assemblies of God believes that the ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized.

The Symbolism of the Water

When someone is lowered into the water and brought back up, they are acting out a spiritual funeral and a spiritual birthday at the same time.

• Burial: Going under the water symbolizes that our old, sinful self has died with Christ.

• Resurrection: Coming out of the water symbolizes that we have been raised to a new life in Him.

As Romans 6:4 says, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Who Should Be Baptized?

Baptism is for "believers." This is why you’ll often hear the term "Believer's Baptism." It’s a conscious decision made by someone who has already put their trust in Jesus. It’s not something that happens to you; it’s something you choose to do to show the world that you belong to Him.

If you’ve recently made a decision to follow Jesus and haven’t been baptized yet, we encourage you to take that next step. It is a powerful milestone in your faith journey. You can learn more about starting your walk with God at our I'm New Q&A Welcome Center.

Illustration: A 16:9 landscape showing a serene baptismal setting, modern Protestant aesthetic, emphasizing the concept of "newness of life."

2. Holy Communion

The second ordinance is Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper.

While baptism is usually a once-in-a-lifetime event, Communion is a recurring family meal. It consists of two elements: the bread and the fruit of the vine (juice).

According to Truth #5, Communion serves three major purposes for the believer:

A Symbol of Sharing the Divine Nature

When we partake in Communion, we are reminded that we are now part of God’s family. 2 Peter 1:4 tells us that we have become "partakers of the divine nature." By eating the bread and drinking the cup, we are symbolically saying that Christ lives in us, and we live in Him.

A Memorial of His Suffering and Death

Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). Communion keeps the Cross at the center of our vision. It prevents us from forgetting the price that was paid for our freedom. The bread represents His body, which was broken for our healing and wholeness, and the cup represents His blood, which was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

A Prophecy of His Second Coming

This is the part many people forget! Every time we take Communion, we are also looking forward. 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Communion is a "proclaiming" act. We are telling the world (and reminding ourselves) that Jesus isn't just a figure of history; He is a returning King.

Illustration: A close-up of communion elements: a loaf of bread and a cup of juice: on a simple wooden table with warm, welcoming lighting.

Why This Matters for the Global Church

At Boundless Online Church, we know that your "pew" might be a hospital chair, a truck stop, or a couch in a living room halfway across the world. You might wonder, "How do I participate in these ordinances if I'm not in a physical building?"

The beauty of the Gospel is that it isn't confined by walls. While we encourage everyone to find a local community of believers, we also recognize the unique challenges of the modern world.

If you are a shift worker or someone in an unsafe area, the meaning of the ordinances remains the same. The water still symbolizes your new life, and the bread still symbolizes His sacrifice. We are committed to helping you navigate these practices of faith no matter where you are.

If you're looking for a place to discuss these deep truths with others, check out our Bible Study Club or our Bible Study for Men.

Living the Truth

The ordinances are not just rituals to check off a list. They are moments of encounter.

• When you see a baptism, let it remind you of your own commitment to leave the old life behind.

• When you take the cup, let the gravity of God's love sink in once again.

These practices keep our faith "visceral." They involve our senses: the coldness of the water, the taste of the bread: to remind us that our faith is not just an idea, but a lived reality.

If you are a parent or a caregiver, these ordinances are also great teaching tools for the next generation. They provide a physical way to explain the complex beauty of the Gospel to children. For more tips on leading your family in faith, browse our Family Resources category.

Moving Forward

Understanding the ordinances is a huge step in growing your roots deep into the Word of God. We’ve covered everything from the authority of Scripture to the nature of God, and now, the ways we celebrate our union with Him.

Are you ready to take the next step? Maybe that means being baptized for the first time. Maybe it means taking Communion with a fresh heart of gratitude. Or maybe it means sharing this truth with someone else who is searching for hope.

Whatever your next step is, you don’t have to take it alone. Our community is here to walk with you, pray with you, and grow with you.

If you’ve missed any of our previous deep dives, you can find them all on our main blog page. Each post is designed to help you meet Jesus and grow in faith, right where you are.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.

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