Bible Study: The Ordinances of the Church — Water Baptism & Holy Communion
Updated: Aug 23
The ordinances of the church are two sacred, symbolic acts ordained by Jesus Christ: Water Baptism and Holy Communion. These practices serve as outward expressions of an inward faith, identifying believers with Christ’s death and resurrection while nourishing our spiritual union with Him as we wait for His glorious return to the earth.
In this deep dive, we explore why these two acts are central to the Christian life, how they represent our spiritual transformation, and why they remain non-negotiable commands for every follower of Jesus across the globe.
Understanding the Language: Why "Ordinances" and Not "Sacraments"?
Before we look at the two specific acts, it is important to understand the language used in the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. You may have heard these referred to as "sacraments" in other traditions. However, the term ordinances is used intentionally. An ordinance is something "ordained" or commanded by Jesus Himself. While some traditions view sacraments as a means by which God imparts saving grace to a person, we believe that salvation is received through faith alone (see Truth #5: The Salvation of Man).
Ordinances do not save us; rather, they are a response to being saved. They are acts of obedience that symbolize the grace we have already received. They are visual sermons, physical ways to proclaim the spiritual reality of what Jesus has done in our hearts. Whether you are part of a local congregation or joining us here at Boundless Online Church, these ordinances serve as the heartbeat of our shared identity in Christ.
Water Baptism: The Public Declaration of New Life
The first ordinance is Water Baptism. According to the Scriptures, baptism is a command given to all who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus. It is the definitive "line in the sand" where a believer publicly declares, "I no longer belong to the world; I belong to Jesus Christ."
The Mode: Baptism by Immersion
In the Assemblies of God tradition, we practice baptism by immersion. This means being fully lowered into the water and brought back up. This isn't just a preference; it is rooted in the very meaning of the word. The Greek word baptizo means to dip or submerge. More importantly, immersion serves as a powerful symbol of the Gospel itself.
As Paul writes in Romans 6:4: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." When you go under the water, it symbolizes the burial of your old, sinful nature. When you come out of the water, it symbolizes your resurrection into a new life with Christ. You are telling the world that the person you used to be is dead, and a new creation has been born.
The Command and the Condition
Jesus was explicit about the importance of this act. In Matthew 28:19, He commanded His disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This command makes it clear that baptism is the natural, immediate step for anyone who becomes a disciple.
It is also important to note the order: belief comes before baptism. In Mark 16:16, Jesus says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." We also see this pattern throughout the book of Acts. In Acts 10:47-48, after Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles, he asked, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" Baptism is for those who have already had a personal encounter with the saving grace of God.
Holy Communion: The Memorial of the Lamb
The second ordinance is Holy Communion, often called the Lord’s Supper. While baptism is typically a one-time event at the beginning of the Christian journey, Communion is a regular, ongoing practice of the church. It consists of two elements: the bread and the fruit of the vine.
Sharing in the Divine Nature
One of the most beautiful aspects of Communion is that it signifies our sharing in the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Peter 1:4, we are told that through God’s promises, we may become "partakers of the divine nature." When we take the bread and the cup, we are physically participating in a spiritual reality, that Christ is in us, and we are in Him.
The bread represents His body, which was broken for our healing and wholeness. The cup represents His blood, which was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. By taking these elements, we are reminding ourselves that our spiritual life is entirely dependent on the sacrifice of Jesus. We are nourished by Him, sustained by Him, and united with Him.
A Proclamation and a Hope
Communion is also an act of storytelling. In 1 Corinthians 11:26, the Apostle Paul writes: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Every time we gather for Communion, we are looking in three directions:
Backwards: We remember the cross and the supreme price Jesus paid for our redemption.
Inwards: We examine our own hearts, ensuring we are walking in fellowship with God and our brothers and sisters.
Forwards: We look with anticipation to the Day of the Lord, when we will feast with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Communion keeps the Gospel central to our lives. It prevents us from forgetting the cost of our salvation and keeps us focused on the return of our King. For those of us in the digital church, taking Communion at home while connected via screen is a profound reminder that the Spirit of God is not limited by geography. We are one body, sharing one bread, under one Lord.
Why These Ordinances Matter for the Global Church
In a world that is increasingly digital and disconnected, the ordinances anchor us in physical reality. They remind us that our faith is not just a set of abstract ideas or digital data, it is about a Savior who had a real body, shed real blood, and was raised from a real grave. When we are baptized or take communion, we are joining a global family that has practiced these acts for two thousand years.
If you have been walking with Jesus but have never been water baptized, we encourage you to take that step of obedience. If you have been feeling spiritually dry, we invite you to prepare your heart for our next online Communion service. These acts are gifts from God to help us stay close to Him and to one another.
Deep Dive: Exploring the First 5 Truths
To fully appreciate the beauty of the ordinances, it helps to understand the foundation they are built upon. If you missed our previous deep dives, you can explore them here:
Truth #1: The Scriptures Inspired , Why we trust the Bible as our final authority.
Truth #2: The One True God , Understanding the nature of the Trinity.
Truth #3: The Deity of Jesus Christ , Why Jesus is fully God and fully man.
Truth #4: The Fall of Man , Acknowledging our need for a Savior.
Truth #5: The Salvation of Man , How we are saved by grace through faith.
A Pastoral Prayer for You
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your ordinances. Thank You for the water that symbolizes our new life and the bread and cup that remind us of Your sacrifice. For the one reading this who feels hesitant to be baptized, give them the courage to go public with their faith. For the one who feels disconnected, may the next time they take Communion be a moment of deep spiritual refreshing. Remind us every day that we are seen, loved, and never alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does water baptism save you?
No. Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is an outward act of obedience that follows salvation. It is a public testimony of what God has already done in your heart.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
In the Assemblies of God, we practice "believer's baptism." This means we believe baptism should occur after a person has made a conscious decision to repent and follow Christ. If you were baptized as an infant, we would encourage you to be baptized again as an adult to personally testify to your own faith in Jesus.
How often should we take Communion?
The Bible does not give a specific frequency, saying only "as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:26). Some churches take it weekly, others monthly. At Boundless, we believe the most important thing is the posture of your heart when you receive it.
Who is allowed to take Communion?
Holy Communion is for all believers who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and are walking in fellowship with Him. It is a time for self-examination and honoring the sacrifice of the Lord.
Can I participate in baptism and communion online?
Yes! While baptism requires physical water and a local community to witness the act, we can help guide you toward a physical location or discuss how to share your testimony digitally. For Communion, we encourage our global community to prepare elements at home and join us as we pray and partake together across the world.
Next Steps:
Are you ready to grow deeper in your understanding of God's Word? Join our Bible Study Club today at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org. We offer community, resources, and groups for every stage of your walk with Christ.
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Sources, Scripture & Related Resources
Sources & Scripture: Assemblies of God doctrinal framework; Romans 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47–48; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Ephesians 2:8–9.
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