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Baptism and the Lord's Supper |
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Faith Baptist Church believes that there are only two ordinances commanded by the Lord Jesus and practiced in the early church, namely baptism and the Lord's Table or Supper. These are ordinances or divinely designated pictures and not sacraments.
We believe baptism is by immersion, and not necessary for salvation, but that it is the privilege and duty of every believer as an open confession of his faith in Christ. Baptism signifies the entrance into a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the entrance into the fellowship of the church. It symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as our death to the old life and resurrection to new life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Baptism is only for believers as a testimony of salvation and a commitment to live for the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is a prerequisite to church membership and participation in the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41; 8:38,39; 10:47,48; 19:5; Rom. 6:4,5; Col. 2:12; I Pet. 3:20,21).
We believe that the Lord's Table is commemorative, to be observed in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ, showing forth His death till He comes, and picturing our union with Him and our life of dependence upon Him. We believe it is for believers who are walking in obedience to their Lord and should always be preceded by solemn self-examination (Matt. 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-34).
As a church ordinance, the Lord's Table is generally observed at FBC on the 1st Sunday night of each month. It signifies our continuing fellowship with and dependence upon the Lord Jesus who is the living Bread and the One who shed His blood as our Substitute. Because the elements picture Christ, Faith Baptist Church uses unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice (fruit of the vine). It is significant that the Bible never uses the word 'wine' in connection with the Lord's Supper.
Faith Baptist Church practices neither open nor closed communion but what is commonly termed 'close communion.' This means that obedient members who are visiting from churches of like faith and practice are invited to participate.
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Baptism and the Lord's Supper