Bible Study: Truth #6, The Ordinances of the Church
Updated: Aug 22
The ordinances of the Church are Water Baptism by immersion, representing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection, and the Lord's Supper, a memorial of His suffering and death and a prophecy of His second coming. Both are outward signs of inward grace and essential practices for the global community of believers.
Welcome to our ongoing series exploring foundational Christian doctrines. In this installment, we examine Fundamental Truth #6 of the Assemblies of God: The Ordinances of the Church. Whether you are a new believer taking your first steps in faith or someone longing to deepen your biblical understanding from behind a screen, understanding these two sacred practices illuminates the beauty of our covenant with Jesus Christ.
Understanding the Biblical Definition of Ordinances
In Christian theology, an ordinance is a practice instituted and commanded by Jesus Christ Himself for His followers to observe throughout the ages. Unlike sacraments that are viewed in some traditions as channels imparting saving grace, Assemblies of God theology emphasizes that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are powerful symbolic acts of obedience and memorial. They do not save us, only faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross saves us. Instead, they are outward expressions of an inward spiritual reality.
At Boundless Online Church, we believe that whether you are worshiping from a living room in Memphis, a desk abroad, or a quiet space anywhere in the world, these biblical truths anchor our faith and unite us as one global family.
Water Baptism by Immersion: Identifying with Christ
The first ordinance entrusted to the Church is water baptism. According to Scripture, baptism by immersion is commanded for all who have repented of their sins and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Matthew 28:19 records Jesus' final commissioning of His disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Why immersion? The Greek word baptizo literally means to dip, plunge, or immerse. Immersion powerfully pictures the theological reality described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:4: "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."
A Public Declaration: Baptism is a joyful, public testimony that your old life of sin is buried and you have been raised to walk in newness of life.
A Step of Obedience: Following Christ in baptism honors His example and aligns your heart with His commands.
A Milestone of Faith: For those joining our global discipleship journey, baptism marks a clear line in the sand, a defining moment of surrender and commitment to Jesus.
If you have questions about your spiritual journey or want to take your next steps in faith, we invite you to connect with our community and join our Bible Study Club for ongoing discipleship and encouragement.
The Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion): Remembering and Proclaiming
The second ordinance of the Church is Holy Communion, often called the Lord’s Supper. Instituted by Jesus on the night He was betrayed, Communion consists of two simple elements: bread, representing His broken body, and the fruit of the vine, representing His shed blood.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, the Apostle Paul reminds believers of the profound significance of this meal: "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." In Assemblies of God doctrine, the Lord’s Supper serves three vital purposes:
A Memorial: It calls believers to look backward in deep gratitude to the cross, remembering the physical suffering and sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins.
A Symbol of Participation: It signifies our ongoing sharing in the divine nature of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16–17), nourishing our souls through fellowship with Him.
A Prophecy: It looks forward to the future, serving as a promise and anticipation of Christ’s second coming and the great marriage supper of the Lamb.
Whenever believers gather, whether in person or across screens in our virtual prayer rooms, sharing Communion is a sacred moment of realignment, reflection, and worship.
Living Out the Ordinances in Daily Discipleship
Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not empty rituals or religious checkboxes. They are living, breathing reminders of the Gospel. Baptism happens once as the initiation of a transformed life, while Communion is celebrated regularly as the sustaining rhythm of that life.
As you reflect on these truths, consider how God is calling you to respond. Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? Are you nourishing your soul through regular reflection on Christ’s sacrifice? You are never alone in your walk with God. Whether you are navigating doubt, healing from the past, or growing as a new believer, our community is here to support you.
If you need prayer or someone to walk alongside you in your faith journey, please reach out to our team at the Prayer Wall or text our dedicated prayer line anytime at 901-213-7341.
A Pastoral Prayer for Your Journey
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank You for giving us visual, tangible reminders of Your grace through water baptism and the Lord's Supper. For every reader who feels distant, isolated, or curious about faith today, draw them close by Your Spirit. Grant them the courage to take their next steps in obedience, to rest in Your finished work on the cross, and to experience the boundless love and fellowship of Your global family. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is water baptism required for salvation?
In Assemblies of God theology, water baptism is an essential step of obedience following salvation, but it does not save a person. Salvation is received by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is the outward public witness of an inward transformation.
2. Can infants be baptized according to AG doctrine?
No. Because water baptism is an outward declaration following personal repentance and acceptance of Christ, baptism is administered to those who are old enough to understand and make a conscious decision of faith.
3. Who can participate in the Lord’s Supper?
Any believer who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and is walking in fellowship with Him is welcome to partake in Communion. Scripture encourages believers to examine their hearts before partaking (1 Corinthians 11:28).
4. How often should Communion be observed?
While Scripture does not prescribe an exact calendar frequency ("as often as you drink it"), local churches and believers observe Communion regularly as an ongoing memorial and celebration of Christ’s sacrifice until He returns.
Take Your Next Step: Join the Bible Study Club today, or text our prayer line anytime at 901-213-7341. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to discover more resources, live worship streams, and online community groups.
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