Demystifying the Rituals: Understanding the Essence of the Lord's Supper and Baptism

Jesus, in His final days on earth, left His followers with two profound symbols. These symbols, the Lord's Supper and baptism, are not just rituals, but personal experiences that reflect the transformative power of Jesus’ work and the inner change every believer undergoes at the moment of salvation. While these practices are essential for every Christian, their personal significance may not be fully understood by all.

First, let’s look at the Lord's Supper, also known as communion, the Lord’s Table, or the Breaking of Bread. It's a special ceremony where Christians remember Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. In Luke 22, we read that Jesus, as part of the last Passover meal He shared with his disciples before enduring the cross, broke bread and shared wine with His disciples, saying that the bread represented His body and the wine His blood, “which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:14-20)

When taking the bread and cup, believers symbolically remember Jesus' broken body and shed blood, proclaiming His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). It's a powerful moment to reflect on God's love and grace. The Lord's Supper is for any believer who has put their faith in Christ. However, Scripture advises examining one's heart first to ensure being right with God and others (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Next is baptism.  Baptism is an outward demonstration of the inward change that occurs when someone trusts Jesus as their Savior. The ceremony involves briefly submerging a person underwater and bringing them back out.  Going under the water represents dying to the old way of life, and rising again shows being given new life in Christ.

The Apostle Paul describes this in Romans 6: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) Baptism powerfully illustrates the spiritual reality of being united with Jesus.

It's crucial to understand that baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, salvation is by grace through faith. Baptism, however, is the significant first step of obedience after choosing to follow Jesus. It's a personal decision, not an obligation. In Matthew 28:19, one of Jesus' final commands was to baptize new believers, but it's a choice that each individual must make for themselves.

Consider taking this next step if you have put your faith in Jesus but have yet to be baptized. Baptism is a way to personally identify with Christ, obey His command, and publicly declare your faith in Jesus faith to others. The Book of Acts shows the pattern of people believing the good news about Jesus and being baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:12).

The Lord's Supper and baptism are not just individual acts, but they also carry a rich historical and communal significance. They connect believers to Jesus' death and resurrection, uniting them with Christians across time who have shared in these practices. They mark believers as belonging to God's family. Understanding the depth of what Jesus did and choosing to trust Him, celebrating the Lord's Supper, and being baptized are powerful steps that connect us to our faith heritage and help us grow in faith.

If you have given your life to Jesus but have yet to be baptized, consider signing up for our next baptism class to learn more and prepare for this vital step of obedience. The class covers what baptism means, what to expect, and how to share your story about your new faith in Jesus Christ.