There have been several views in regards to the sacraments or ordinances of the church as instituted by Jesus Christ. While these sacraments are of primary concern due to Jesus’ command to continue them, the mode or view of the sacrament falls to a secondary matter. Therefore, for the purposes of unity within this community of believers, we feel it necessary to specify our view.
Baptism by immersion in water is one of two ordinances given by Christ to His church. We believe this baptism is commanded to all believers, not as a means of salvation, but is a symbol of the internal transformation that has taken place in our hearts and a representation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is an external symbol to demonstrate our allegiance with Christ, in His death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism is to occur upon a profession of faith, and is once for all, therefore it is not necessary that believers be baptized repeatedly.
Matthew 3:16; 28:19 / Mark 1:9 / Acts 8:38; 18:8 / Colossians 2:12
Communion or The Lord’s Supper is the second ordinance of the church, prescribed by Christ. We are to partake of the meal regularly, as a means of remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for our sin on the cross. The elements are symbols that represent his body, by the bread, and his blood, by the cup, yet as symbols hold no power for salvation.
Matthew 26:26-30 / Mark 14:22-26 / Luke 22:19-20 / 1 Corinthians 11:23-25