| Chapter
8
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WATER BAPTISM AND THE LORDS SUPPER
Both ordinances of Water
Baptism and the Lords Supper relate to the death and
the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Water Baptism, Christians are identified with the Lords death and resurrection.
In the Lords Supper they remember the Lords death and resurrection.
Water
Baptism:
Jesus
clearly commanded His disciples to be baptized.
Matthew
28:19
"Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost:"
He
set an example by being baptized Himself.
Matthew
3:13-16
"Then
cometh Jesus from Galilee, to the Jordan unto John,
to be baptized of him.
But
John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized
of thee, and comest thou to me?
And
Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now:
for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Then he suffered him.
And
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out
of the water:"
Jesus
went to the Jordan River to John the Baptist to be baptized
of him. John felt that he was not worthy to baptize
Jesus, but Jesus insisted. Jesus said that by being
baptized He was fulfilling all righteousness. John went
ahead and immersed Jesus in the water. When Jesus came
up out of the water the Holy Spirit came upon Him in
the form of a dove. God the Father spoke out heaven
saying that He was pleased with His Son Jesus.
Jesus
personally baptized many disciples.
John
4:1
"When
therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard
that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John."
Baptism
fulfils all righteousness and is a part of the experience
of salvation.
Mark
16:16
"He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he
that believeth not shall be damned."
Water
Baptism relates to four things:
1.
It is an outward sign of an inward experience of cleansing.
The
baptism of water on the outside symbolizes our cleansing
with the Blood of Jesus on the inside.
Acts
22:16
"Arise,
and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on
the name of the Lord."
2.
It is symbolical of the burial of our old sinful life
and resurrected new life in Christ.
When
we are saved, we are symbolically placed on the Cross
with Jesus, because He died in our place as our substitute.
Galatians
2:20
"I
am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not
I, but Christ liveth in me:"
In
salvation God sees us crucified with Christ and by baptism
we are buried and resurrected spiritually with Christ.
Baptism helps us to reckon the exact time of our spiritual
burial and resurrection.
After
we have been saved we have to do two things:
Reckon ourselves
crucified with Christ and dead to sin.
2. Be baptized to experience burial and resurrection with Christ.
Romans
6:11
"Likewise
reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans
6:4
"Therefore
we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like
as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of
the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life."
When
Jesus died on the cross He was taken off the cross and
placed in a tomb. After the third day He was resurrected
and came out of the tomb in a glorified body.
Symbolically
we are taken from the cross, buried with Him in a water
grave and resurrected with Him in the Name of the Father,
Jesus the Son of God and the Holy Spirit.
The
Greek word for baptism is "Baptiso".
It
means to immerse or dip into.
When
one is immersed or dipped into water by baptism, it
is a form of burial.
3.
Baptism is a public confession that we are true followers
of Jesus Christ.
In
baptism we openly testify to the world that we are disciples
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4.
Baptism plays an important part in our deliverance.
The
children of Israel were in captivity in Egypt and God
delivered them from bondage. Egypt is a type of mans
sinful bondage. The Passover Lamb that was sacrificed
for Israel was a type of Jesus Christ. The blood of
the lamb that was smeared on the doorposts to protect
the Israelites from the destroyer, was a type of the
Blood of Jesus sprinkled on our hearts and lives. The
Israelites had to pass through the Red Sea to be delivered
from Egypt and Pharaoh. The Red Sea is a type of our
deliverance in baptism from all the effects and the
bondages of sin.
1
Corinthians 10:1-6
"Moreover,
brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how
that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed
through the sea;
And
were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the
sea;
Now
these things were our examples."
Baptism
is the part of Salvation that brings us deliverance.
1
Peter 3:20-21
"When
once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of
Noah ... eight souls were saved by water.
The
like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save
us."
In
baptism Christians experience deliverance from their
old sinful life and bondage.
By
faith they experience deliverance from all the old sinful
habits and begin to walk in their new life.
Ephesians
4:22-24
"That
ye put off concerning the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts;
And
be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And
that ye put on the new man, which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness."
The
Israelites practiced the baptism ceremony in Old Testament
times.
When
someone who was diseased with leprosy completely recovered,
they had to then show themselves to the priest, be baptized
and cleansed in water. When John the Baptist arrived
on the scene he preached repentance and baptism. Because
baptism was not strange to the Jews, thousands came
to the Jordan River and were baptized.
Baptism
was also practiced and preached by New Testament Christians.
Acts
2:37-41
"Now
when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart,
and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then
Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Then
they that gladly received his word were baptized: and
the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls."
Phillip the Evangelist went down to Samaria to preach the Gospel, many
men and women were saved and immediately baptized.
Acts
8:12
"But
when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning
the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they
were baptized, both men and women."
Phillip
ministered to the Eunuch in the desert; he believed
on Jesus and asked Phillip to baptize him. After he
was baptized he went on his way rejoicing.
Acts
8:36-39
"And
as they went on their way, they came unto a certain
water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what
doth hinder me to be baptized?
And
Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart,
thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And
he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went
down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch
and he went on his way rejoicing."
The
Eunuch:
Believed
in Christ
Desired
to be baptized
Saw
water
Went
into the water
Was
baptized
Went
on his way rejoicing.
This
practice of baptism has continued until this day.
What
is the mode of Baptism?
The
Bible clearly teaches how water baptism should be done.
When
a candidate is baptized their entire body should be
immersed or dipped in water.
Mark
1:9-10
"And
it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth
of Galilee, and was baptized of John.
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened,
and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:"
The
whole body of Jesus was immersed in the Jordan River
and came up out of the water.
In
whose name should we be baptized?
Matthew
28:19
"Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost:"
The Greek word for "name" used here is "honoma." It means authority.
We
are therefore to be baptized in the authority of God
the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Ghost.
The three days that Jesus was buried in the Tomb, is
symbolical of the threefold authority of the Godhead
that Believers are baptized into.
1
John 5:7
"For
there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Baptism
is a command and not an option.
Jesus
never requested His Disciples to be baptized.
He
commanded them to be baptized.
Matthew
28:19
"Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost:"
The
Lords Supper:
The
Lords Supper is also known today by the names Holy Communion
and Eucharist.
It
finds its roots in the Passover which was kept by Jesus
and His disciples over two thousand years ago in the
city of Jerusalem.
Before
Jesus was crucified He kept the Passover with His Disciples.
He
gathered with His Disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem
to have the Passover Meal.
Matthew
26:19-30
"And
the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they
made ready the passover.
Now
when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
And
as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it,
and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said,
Take, eat; this is my body.
And
he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them,
saying, Drink ye all of it;
For
this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed
for many for the remission of sins.
But
I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this
fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new
with you in my Father's kingdom.
And
when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount
of Olives."
As
they participated there were two things of significance:
Jesus
had looked forward to this Supper with His Disciples.
Luke
22:15
"And
he said unto them, with desire I have desired to eat
this Passover with you before I suffer:"
He shared
His Cup with them.
Luke
22:17
"And
he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, take this,
and divide it among yourselves:"
A
Cup of unfermented wine was on the Passover Table. It
was called Elijah's Cup. It was designated only for
the Messiah to drink if He should suddenly appear. Only
the Messiah could take it. At every Passover Meal, the
door of the house was left open for the Messiah to be
able to enter in. When Jesus took this cup in His hands,
it clearly revealed to them that He was the Messiah.
What was so amazing was that He shared the Cup with
them.
The
Disciples continued keeping the Lords Supper.
After
Jesus ascended into Heaven they continued to come together
and keep the Lords Supper.
Acts
20:7
"And upon the first day of the week ... the disciples came together to
break bread."
Paul's
gave special instructions about the Lords Supper.
Paul
gave detailed instructions on how Christians should
keep the Lords Supper.
1
Corinthians 11:26-33
"For
as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye
do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Whosoever
shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord,
unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of
the Lord.
Let
a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread,
and drink of that cup.
For
he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
For
this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many
sleep.
For
if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But
when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that
we should not be condemned with the world.
Wherefore,
my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one
for another."
These
instructions emphasize six things:
1. Before we eat the Bread or drink the Cup
of grape juice, we should
>examine
ourselves to see if there is sin in our lives.
2. If we have sinned against Heaven or someone,
we should confess it and receive forgiveness and cleansing.
3. We may then break the Bread and eat it
in remembrance of the
>crucified
body of Jesus.
3. We may drink the Cup in remembrance of
the precious Blood of Jesus
>shed
for us.
4. We should calmly and patiently give others
the time they need to
>participate
and enjoy the Lords Supper.
5. Worship and the singing of Hymns is a
part of the Lords Supper.
More
specifically, the Lords Supper involves three important
aspects:
Confirmation:
The
Lords Supper confirms the existence of a New Covenant
that has special blessings.
When
Jesus was keeping the Passover He confirmed with His
Disciples, that through His Blood they would receive
a New Testament.
Matthew
26:28
"For
this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed
for many for the remission of sins."
As
we partake of the Cup, by Christ's Blood we participate
in this New Covenant with Jesus.
Ephesians
2:12-13
"That
at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from
the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without
God in the world:
But
now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off, are
made nigh by the blood of Christ."
In
this Covenant, all the blessings and benefits that Abraham
had have been passed on to us.
Galatians
3:14
"That
the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through
Jesus Christ;"
Psalm
103:2-5
Who
forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy
diseases;
Who
redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee
with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who
satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth
is renewed like the eagles."
These
benefits are:
1.
Forgiveness of sin.
2.
Healing of diseases.
3.
Redemption from destruction.
4.
Experiencing Gods love, kindness and mercy.
5.
Enjoying the blessing of good things.
6.
Experiencing physical renewal.
Examination:
We
are told by the Apostle Paul to examine ourselves when
we partake of the Lords Supper.
If
we have sin we should confess our sin and be cleansed
through the Blood of Jesus.
1
Corinthians 5:7-8
"Purge
out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump,
as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is
sacrificed for us:
Therefore
let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither
with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the
unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."
We
should not participate unworthily, because if we do,
we will be judged and chastened by the Lord.
1
Corinthians 11:28-32
"But
let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that
bread, and drink of that cup.
For
he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
For
this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many
are dead.
For
if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But
when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord."
If
any sin comes to mind while we are about to partake
of the Lords Supper, we should immediately confess it.
If we have sinned against another person we must ask
their forgiveness. If we know that someone has something
against us we should go to them and resolve the matter.
This is Gods way of making sure that issues are dealt
with and sins confessed and forgiven amongst Christians.
We
should not refuse to eat the Bread and drink the Cup.
Some
Christians reason that because of sin in their life
they should not partake of the Bread and Cup. That is
why they let it pass.
The
Lord expects us to participate and emphasizes its importance.
John
6:53
"Then
Jesus said unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you,
except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink
his blood, ye have no life in you."
It
is important for us to frequently share in the Lords
Supper with other Believers so that the Body of Christ
(the Church) remains spiritually clean and healthy.
It
is at the Lords Supper that we are confronted with the
issue of sin and the possibility that we have wronged
someone.
We
must correct things done wrong.
We
must participate.
At
the Lords Supper the Church is cleansed.
Celebration:
The
Lords Supper is a Victory Celebration and we celebrate
three things:
1. We celebrate the event of Christ's victory.
The
enemy satan did everything he could to kill and destroy
Jesus.
However,
Jesus totally destroyed and overcame him and all the
forces of hell.
On the Cross, Jesus cried "It is finished." (John 19:30)
After
Jesus died on the cross, He descended into Hades, took
on satan and his kingdom, spoiled and triumphed over
them.
Colossians
2:15
"Having
spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of
them openly, triumphing over them."
2.
We celebrate Christ's exaltation.
After
His resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven.
He
sat at the Right Hand of God the Father who highly exalted
Him.
Ephesians
1:20-22
"Which
he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead
and set him at his own right hand.
Far
above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,
and every name that is named, not only in this world,
but also in that which is to come:
And
hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to
be the head over all things to the church."
Philippians
2:9-11
"Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name
which is above every name:
That
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things
in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the
earth;
And
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
3.
We celebrate the effects of Christ's victory.
Jesus
gained the following victory for us:
He
overcame sin so that we could be made righteous.
2
Corinthians 5:21
"For
he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
He
overcame sickness for our healing.
Mark
16:17-18
"In
my name they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover."
He
overcame poverty for our prosperity.
2
Corinthians 8:9
"Yet
for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty
might be rich."
He overcame satan and his principalities for our
victory.
Luke10:19
"Behold,
I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall
by any means hurt you."
He
overcame death and hell so that we could live and go
to Heaven.
Revelation
1:18
"I
am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive
for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of
death."
Christians
should attend church services and partake of the Lords
Supper:
Hebrews
10:25
"Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is;"
Acts
20:7
"And
upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them."
Christians
are told to have Holy Communion as often as they can.
1
Corinthians 11:26
"For
as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye
do shew the Lord's death till he come."
Today
Christians continue to enjoy the Lords Supper.
Over
four hundred million Christians come together in church
or home settings all over the world to partake of the
Lords Supper.
What
are the proceedings of the Lords Supper?
A
Pastor or church leader officiates and leads the proceedings.
Christians
are told to prepare themselves to participate, examine
themselves and confess any hindering sins.
The
leader breaks the bread and passes it to the Christians
to eat in remembrance of Christ's crucified body.
He
passes the grape juice to them to drink in remembrance
of the Blood of Christ, shed for forgiveness of sin.
He
reminds them of the victory of Christ over satan, hell,
sin, sickness, death and poverty.
They
celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection and Lordship
of Christ.
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