Sacraments and Ceremonies
There are two sacraments: Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper. There are three ceremonies: Presentation of Children, Solemnization of Marriage, and Burial of the Dead.
1. Water Baptism:
This sacrament is a symbol of the death of the "old man" and the resurrection of the "new man" to walk in "newness of life". (Romans 6:4-6; Ephesians 4:22-24; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38). 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. That ye put off concerning the former conversation 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. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 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. 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. That ye put off concerning the former conversation 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. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 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. Romans 6:4-6
Ephesians 4:22-24
Mark 1:15
Acts 2:38
The candidate is required to give a clear and sincere testimony of faith in Christ to be baptized. (Acts 8:26-38; Colossians 2:12). And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 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 baptized him. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 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 baptized him. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Acts 8:26-38
Colossians 2:12
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in obedience to the Lord's express command. (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: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
Baptism is a confession:
- Of sins (Matthew 3:6).
Matthew 3:6
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
- Of our purposes (Romans 6:11).
Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Of faith in the Word (Acts 2:41).
Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
- Of union with Christ (Galatians 3:27).
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- Of a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
- Of loyalty to Christ (Matthew 28:20).
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Note: We have written a separate lesson to study baptism in greater detail.
2. The Lord's Supper:
This sacrament was instituted by the Lord, and He commanded that it be practiced until His coming. (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-31). 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. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 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 sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 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. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 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 sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. Matthew 26:26-30
1 Corinthians 11:23-31
The two elements of "bread" and "wine" (unfermented grape juice) symbolize the body and blood of Christ, and express our participation in the divine nature of the Lord. This sacrament is a memorial of His sufferings and a prophecy of His soon coming.
His broken body (the bread) makes provision for the health of our body; His shed blood (the wine) makes provision for the salvation of our soul. (Isaiah 53:4-6). Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6
It is the privilege and duty of every member to participate in the Lord's Supper. Whoever does not feel prepared to participate will not be prepared to go with the Lord either. Therefore, they must seek forgiveness, renew their consecration, and promise faithfulness to the Lord.
At the beginning, the Church held its main service every first day of the week, the Lord's day, Sunday, and they also participated in the Lord's Supper. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:2
Eusebius, the father of Church History (265-340 A.D.), wrote: "From the beginning Christians gathered on the first day of the week, called the Lord's day, for the purpose of worship, reading Scripture, preaching, and celebrating the Lord's Supper".
3. Presentation of Children:
In this ceremony Christian parents bring their young children to the Church to be presented to the Lord in an act of gratitude and consecration. (Mark 10:13-16). And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16
4. Solemnization of Marriage:
Marriage was instituted by God (Genesis 2:18-24); it was confirmed by Christ (Matthew 19:5; John 2:2); it is honourable (Hebrews 13:4; Proverbs 18:22). And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. Genesis 2:18-24
Matthew 19:5
John 2:2
Hebrews 13:4
Proverbs 18:22
Illicit union (concubinage, fornication, adultery) has been and is the cause of grievous moral and social corruption; therefore, every true Christian must value and respect the sacred state of marriage.
5. Burial of the Dead:
Whenever possible it is fitting to hold a service of consolation and hope in the home for the benefit of the bereaved and the unsaved, to speak to them of the believer's security in Christ. Afterwards they will accompany the deceased to the cemetery where the pastor will lead the burial ceremony. (Acts 5:6; Acts 8:2). And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. Acts 5:6
Acts 8:2
Questions
1. How many sacraments are there?
2. How many ceremonies?
3. What is Baptism a symbol of?
4. What is required of candidates?
5. State the form and formula of Baptism.
6. What do the bread and wine represent?
7. Why should every believer participate in the Lord's Supper?
8. What are the ceremonies?