Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

http://www.reliance-cc.org/whats-next/baptism/

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are to ordinances that are practiced across denominational lines and are considered among the most important practices of Christians.

Some basic beliefs about Baptism:

  • Christians are baptized as a sign that they have repented of their sins, died to sin, and have chosen to follow Christ in how they live.
  • Baptism is practiced through two means, immersion (going underwater) and sprinkling.
  • Some denominations baptize infants. This is typically done as a statement that the parents and the church will work to raise the children to come to believe in God and know God personally.
  • Some denominations refrain from baptizing infants and instead have a dedication process for commiting to raise the child in the church.
  • Baptism does not save someone from sin, but is intended to be a symbol of what God has done in a person’s heart.
http://www.nathanfinn.com/2013/08/06/looking-through-the-lords-supper/

Some basic beliefs about The Lord’ Supper:

  •  The Lord’s Supper is a time to reflect on the atonement of Christ.
  • It is only to be taken by Christians.
  • It reminds believers that we are all equal in Christ.
  • It is practiced based on 1 Corinthians 11.
  • Some denominations believe that the Lord is spiritually present in the elements, some believe that the elements are merely symbolic, and others believe that the elements are changed into the body and blood of Christ. I personally believe that the elements are symbolic, but the act of partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a spiritual act and as such the Lord is present and works in the hearts of believers as they share the meal.