NCC 43

Question 43 What are the sacraments or ordinances?

The sacraments or ordinances given by God and instituted by Christ, namely baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are visible signs and seals that we are bound together as a community of faith by his death and resurrection. By our use of them the Holy Spirit more fully declares and seals the promises of the gospel to us.

So I’m going to come right out of the gate and say.....this question and answer is one of the clearest examples of how this catechism wasn’t created by people who are in our theological circles.

What clues would give that away to you?

Language: sacraments. Seals the promises of the Gospel to us. I don’t think I can get on board with that kind of language.

Are there only two ordinances?

How do you define an ordinance?

Ordinance = command or rule. Law.

It is a command by God....instituted by Christ…Given to the church....that picture the Gospel...

What are Specific commands for the church to observe as a gathered assembly.

There are lots of commands that we are to obey. Some involve our personal relationship with the Lord. Some involve our personal relationships with others. But there are some commands that are specific to the church as a gathered assembly. There are at least 6 such commands, and maybe as many as 9 depending on how you view things. There are two that seem so to be a little more unique, and we’ll talk about those. but what are some commands that the church is to observe as a gathered assembly?

1. The public reading of Scripture” (1 Tim. 4:13)

2. “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2)

3. supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Tim. 2:1–2)

4. “singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (Eph. 5:19) and “teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16).

5. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).

6. the Lord’s supper” to the church, having received it from the Lord himself (1 Cor. 11:20, 23)

7. Church Discipline? Matt 18; 1 Cor 5

8. Foot Washing? John 13:12-17; 1 Tim 5:9-10

9. Head Coverings? 1 Cor 11:1-16

All that being said.....

There are two that are more unique, and are typically the two that are officially recognized as ordinances. What are they?

What makes them different from the others? They picture the Gospel.

However, these last two ordinances are distinct in some ways from the other four: First, they are unique to the church (and not Israel). Reading the Word, preaching, prayer, and singing have always characterized the worship of God’s people, but baptism and the Lord’s Supper are unique for the New Testament Church. Second, while unbelievers can participate in preaching, Scripture reading , prayer, and singing, baptism and the Table are restricted to believers. And third, baptism and the Table are distinct from the other ordinances in that they are visible signs of spiritual realities.

We are going to talk more about these two ordinances over the next few weeks, so I don’t want to give it all away now.