The ordinances of the Church (1) ECCLESIOLOGY

Definitions  Sacrament: to make sacred, to dedicate to a god or to sacred use  Latin word, used to translate Greek word ‘mystery’ – gives the idea that there is something hidden or mystical about these practices  Those who use the term usually believe that the rite is somehow connected with conveying grace to the practitioner The Council of Trent defined a sacrament as “something presented to the sense, which has the power, by divine institution, not only of signifying, but also of efficiently conveying grace.” (Ryrie, 487)  Ordinance: an authoritative rule or law; a decree or command; something ordered  Only symbolic, does not convey grace  No inherent power to change the person observing it

Number  All agree on two  Baptism  Lord’s supper  Some add one or more (Ryrie seems open)  Foot washing  Marriage (instituted by God)  Praying for the sick  Key ideas  For the Christian church, the practice must be ordered by Christ  Their practice especially identifies the believer with Christ, marks off from the world

Baptism: Importance  Jesus was baptized (Mt 3.16) Our baptism is part of our imitation of Christ (1 Pt 2.21)  Jesus approved of his disciples baptizing (Jn 4.1-2)  Christ commanded baptism in this age (Mt 28.19)  The early church practiced it faithfully (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12–13, 36, 38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5)  The apostles taught that the ordinance symbolized important theological truths  Identification and union with Christ in his death (Rm )  Clothing one’s self with Christ (Gal 3.27)  Symbolizes salvation (1 Pt 3.21)  The author of Hebrews calls baptism a foundational truth (Heb 6.1-2)