"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." Romans 6:4.
Christian ceremonies are religious rites or ordinances which were observed or recognized by Christ and given a certain character by His example and teaching. It is in this sense that we use the word ordinance in connection with baptism, foot washing, and communion service. For the person who has by genuine faith, prayer, and commitment entered into covenant relationship with Christ, the participation in these sacred services brings great spiritual blessings.
You can seek real communion with your Lord! Your participation reveals your unity with Christ! You may receive the special spiritual blessing!
In order that His followers might regularly recall the debt they owe Christ, He instituted the communion service. As we take the broken pieces of bread and taste the wine symbolizing His death, we bring into full remembrance the cross of Calvary and its meaning to us.
In this lesson you will discover that—
BAPTISM—SIGN OF A NEW LIFE
1. How did Christ's own baptism set an example for future Christian practice? Matthew 3:13-15; 28:19.
Matthew 3:13-15 (NIV) Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14) But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15) Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
"Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance into His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 91.
2. What does baptism signify in the life? Romans 6:4.
Romans 6:4 (NIV) 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.
3. What relationship with the church follows baptism for newly baptized believers? Acts 2:41, 47.
Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:47 (NIV) praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
4. What spiritual condition among the disciples necessitated the ordinance of foot washing? Luke 22:24-27.
Luke 22:24-27 (NIV) Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25) Jesus said to them,
"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26) But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27) For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
5. What service did Jesus perform for His disciples that one of them should have fulfilled? John 13:4, 5.
John 13:4-5 (NIV) so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5) After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Note: It was customary for a servant to provide this service. Since no servant was present Jesus Himself assumed this role at the meal.
6. What words of Christ indicate that He instituted this new ordinance for future followers? John 13:12-17.
John 13:12-17 (NIV) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13) "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14) Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16) I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17) Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Note: "By taking part in the ordinance of foot washing we show that we are willing to perform this act of humility. We are doing the very thing Christ did, but this is not to be talked of as an act of humiliation. It is an act which symbolizes the condition of the mind and heart."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1139.
7. What spiritual lessons are there in this ordinance? John 13:6-8.
John 13:6-8 (NIV) He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7) Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8) "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
John 13:9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean...
Note: Though Peter did not completely understand this service that Jesus was instituting he did realize it involved spiritual cleansing so he requested his hands and his head to be washed as well. But Jesus said only his feet needed to be washed to benefit from this service. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed by your sinfulness and feel you need to start over with baptism. Jesus provides in this wonderful service a reminder that this isn't necessary but He does give us a symbol to remind us of our need of constant cleansing and the availability of His grace for ongoing cleansing. When a person permits his feet to be washed, he bears witness to the fact that he does not consider himself to be perfect. He recognizes that he needs the cleansing power of God and that he is now seeking, or has already sought, that cleansing from the Lord.
8. What function does the communion service fulfill in the spiritual experience? 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NIV) For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24) and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25) In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
Note: The apostle Paul says that as Christians eat the emblematic bread and drink the wine they publicly declare their faith in the blood of Christ as the effective solution for sin.
9. To what does one testify when partaking of the communion service? 1 Corinthians 11:26.
1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV) For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
10. What counsel does the Bible give about examining oneself before partaking? 1 Corinthians 11:28.
1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV) A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
11. What caution does the Bible give if one knowingly violates God's will? 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29.
1 Corinthians 11:27 (NIV) Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:29 (NIV) For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Note: An "unworthy manner" does not mean one has to be sinless in order receive communion but it does mean we must be repentant. Repentance includes sorrow for sin and turning from sin in heart and life. It is given by Christ to those who want it. Just ask Him and He will give it to you.
12. What does participation in the communion service indicate about our relationships with fellow church members? 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NIV) Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17) Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
HERITAGE TIE
Your Church Pastor
You have had opportunity to get acquainted with your local pastor. You know that he not only conducts the religious rites considered in this lesson, as well as weddings and funerals, but that he also stands ready to serve you and your family in times of sickness or health, sorrow or joy, when you may need his personal attention and help. He is your spiritual counselor. He is your pastor!
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.