THE ORDINANCES
I. THE ORDINANCES ARE GIVEN TO DEMONSTRATE WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN OUR LIFE. We cannot say an ordinance means nothing; because they were instituted by Christ. However, we can say that just observing an ordinance will not save you.
A. THE ORDINANCES DO NOT ADD TO OUR SALVATION.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
B. BUT WE ARE TO OBEY AND ADDITIONS CAN BE ADDED TO OUR FAITH.
Matthew 3:13-15 13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
2 Peter 1:5-7 5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience of
godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
II. ORDINANCES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT— represents in the Old Testament something prescribed or enacted with usual reference to matters of ritual.
III. ORDINANCES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. In the New Testament the word ordinance has four different meanings:
A. DIKAIOMA. The word means anything declared right. In the following passages it means ceremonial and religious regulation.
Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD blameless.
Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
B. DOGMA. Carries the meaning of a decree or edict.
Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
C. PARADOSIS. Traditions.
1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
D. KTISIS. This is a term used exclusively of the action of God and has the meaning of setting up or institutionalizing.
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the LORD's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
IV. JESUS INSTITUTED THE ORDINANCES. It is generally admitted that for an ordinance to be valid, it must have been instituted by Christ. So, when we speak of the ordinances of the Church, we are speaking of those instituted by Christ in which, (1) by sensible signs the grace of God in Christ and (2) the benefits of the covenant of grace are represented, sealed, and applied to believers, and (3) these in term give expression to our faith and allegiance to God.
V. THREE ORDINANCES. Only three ordinances have been instituted by Christ Himself and therefore are binding upon the Church practice.
A. THE LORD’S SUPPER.
Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1 Corinthians 11:24-30 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the LORD's death till he come. 27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the LORD, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the LORD. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the LORD's body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
John 6:32-33 32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of of 4 14 Ordinances June 27, 2020
God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
John 6:50-51 50This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
1. WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER?
a. A symbolic representation of the Lord's Death. The words "broken for you" and "shed for many" point to the fact that the death of Christ is a sacrificial one for the benefit and even in the place of His people.
1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the LORD's death till he come.
b. It all symbolizes the believer's participation in the Crucified Christ. In the celebration of the Lord's Supper, the participants not merely look at but receive the elements.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
c. It represents the death of Christ as the object of faith, and the act of faith which unites the believers to Christ but also the effect of this act as giving life, strength, and joy to the soul.
d. Finally, this ordinance symbolizes the union of believers with one another. In essence, the Lord's Supper is a faith commitment on the part of those who partake of the ordinance. Whenever they eat the bread and drink the juice, they profess their allegiance to him as their King, and they pledge a life of obedience to his divine commandments.
2. VIEWS ON THE LORD’S SUPPER. There are several basic views in receiving the Lord's Supper. The one prevalent among Holiness, Pentecostal, Spirit-Filled, Charismatic, etc., is as follows:
a. The Zwinglian or Memorial view. Here, the ordinance is only symbolic. As we partake of it, we take it in memory of our Lord's suffering. The Communicant by faith enters into a special spiritual union of his soul with the glorified Christ.
B. FEET WASHING - There are three texts in the New Testament referring to feet washing.
Luke 7:36-50. 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. of 6 14 Ordinances June 27, 2020
39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
John 13:1-17.
13 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
1 Timothy 5:9-10 9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. 10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1. WHY WASH FEET? Feet-Washing is practiced and
recognized as an ordinance because Christ,by his example, showed that humility characterized greatness in the Kingdom of God; and service, rendered to others gave evidence that humility, motivated by love, exists.
C. WATER BAPTISM IS INITIATION INTO THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH- After the ascension of Christ, the apostles and the early Church acknowledged baptism as the rite by which persons are admitted to communion with the church.
Acts 2:37-38 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12 12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:36-38 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 16:14-15 14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the LORD opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to of be faithful to the LORD, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Acts 16:30-33 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the LORD, and to all that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the LORD with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the LORD.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1. BAPTISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CAN BE
COMPARED SOMEWHAT TO CIRCUMCISION IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. Even in cases where an outpouring of
the gift of the Holy Ghost had already taken place, baptism occupied among the Christians, the same position as circumcision in the Old Covenant.
Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
2. WE ARE UNIFIED IN BAPTISM. It is essentially, part of
the foundation on which the unity of the Christian Community rested from the beginning.
Ephesians 4:5-6 5One LORD, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
3. BAPTISM SHOULD BE BY IMMERSION.
a. It corresponds to the Lord’s burial.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
b. It symbolizes regeneration and purification more than any other mode.
4. BAPTISMAL FORMULA - The apostles were instructed to baptize in the Name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Ghost (eis to onoma tou patros kal tou hagiou pheumako). The Greek states a Pheumako - "into the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” The person baptized was symbolically introduced into the name of Christ, which symbolized his discipleship, state of allegiance to God and Fellowship with Christ. Many Pentecostals believe that we should use the formula given us by Christ for all baptism: In the Name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
5. BELIEVERS BAPTISM.
a. ADULT BAPTISM - Adult baptism must be preceded by a profession of faith.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:36-38 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 16:31-33 31And they said, Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the LORD, and to all that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
b. INFANT BAPTISM - Only believers in Christ are entitled to baptism, and only those who give credible evidence of faith in Him should be baptized. This means that infants are excluded from the ordinance. However, we when a child reaches an age of accountability (whatever age that is) and accepts the Christian faith a child should be baptized.
