Introduction: Signs That Point Beyond Themselves
Imagine standing at a road sign that says, “Manila — 10 km.” Now imagine hugging the sign, polishing it, and staying there as though the sign itself were the destination. That’s the danger when we misunderstand the ordinances. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not the destination; they are signs pointing us to Christ.
In Adventism, rituals often become burdens — Sabbath-keeping, dietary rules, and other regulations. By contrast, the New Covenant only gives us two ordinances— baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are simple, beautiful signs and seals of the gospel. They do not save by themselves, but they point us to the One who saves.
This chapter explores the meaning, biblical foundation, and practical application of these sacraments, clarifying common confusions and freeing believers to receive them as Christ intended.
What Is an Ordinance?
An ordinance, in evangelical theology, refers to a commanded practice instituted by Christ that serves as a symbolic act of obedience and faith. It doesn’t convey grace in itself but points to spiritual truths and expresses the believer’s faith. It’s a sign of obedience and remembrance.
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Baptism signifies union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
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The Lord’s Supper signifies ongoing participation in Christ’s body and blood.
They do not work magically but covenantally. They are God’s appointed means to assure believers of His promises.
Romans 4:11 calls circumcision a “sign and seal” of righteousness by faith. Baptism and the Supper function in the same way under the New Covenant.
Baptism in the New Covenant
A. Instituted by Christ
Jesus commanded baptism in the Great Commission: “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).
Baptism is the entry sign into the covenant community. It marks belonging to Christ’s body.
B. Meaning of Baptism
Paul explains in Romans 6:3–4: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.”
Baptism is a sign of:
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Union with Christ — dying and rising with Him.
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Cleansing from sin (Acts 22:16).
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Gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38).
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Belonging to the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
C. Baptism and Faith
Baptism does not save by itself. Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9). Baptism points to Christ, and its benefits are received by faith.
Without faith, baptism is just water. With faith, baptism assures the believer of God’s covenant promises.
D. Baptism and Repentance
In Acts 2:38, Peter connects repentance, faith, and baptism. Baptism is the outward confession of inward faith and repentance. It is not a legalistic requirement but a joyful declaration: “I belong to Christ.”
The Lord’s Supper in the New Covenant
A. Instituted by Christ
On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and said: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19–20).
The Supper is the ongoing covenant meal of God’s people.
B. Meaning of the Supper
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26:
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Bread: Christ’s body given for us.
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Cup: The new covenant in His blood.
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Remembrance: We proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
The Supper signifies:
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Christ’s sacrifice for sins.
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Spiritual nourishment in Him.
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Unity of the body (1 Cor. 10:16–17).
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Hope of His return.
C. Presence of Christ
Different traditions debate how Christ is present in the Supper:
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Roman Catholics teach transubstantiation (bread and wine become Christ’s literal body and blood).
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Lutherans teach consubstantiation (Christ is “in, with, and under” the elements).
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Reformed and New Covenant traditions teach real spiritual presence — Christ is present by His Spirit, feeding us by faith.
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Zwingli emphasized memorial remembrance.
The best summary: Christ is spiritually present to strengthen faith, not physically re-sacrificed. Hebrews 10:14 makes clear His sacrifice was once for all.
D. Worthy Reception
Paul warns against unworthy participation (1 Cor. 11:27–30). This does not mean being sinlessly perfect, but approaching with repentance and faith. The Supper is for believers who trust in Christ and examine themselves.
Old Covenant Shadows Fulfilled
A. Baptism and Circumcision
Colossians 2:11–12 links circumcision and baptism. Circumcision was the Old Covenant sign of belonging; baptism is the New Covenant sign. Circumcision marked physical descent; baptism marks spiritual rebirth.
B. The Supper and Passover
The Lord’s Supper fulfills the Passover meal. Just as Israel remembered deliverance from Egypt, the church remembers deliverance from sin. But the Supper surpasses Passover, for Christ is our true Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7).
The ordinances are not add-ons but fulfillments. They embody the gospel in visible form.
The Role of Ordinances in Christian Life
A. Word and Ordinance
The ordinances never stand alone. They are always paired with the Word. Preaching explains; ordinance display. Together they form the full proclamation of the gospel.
B. Means of Grace
Sacraments are not magic but means of grace. They assure, strengthen, and nourish faith. Like a wedding ring, they don’t create the covenant but testify to it.
C. Regular Practice
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Baptism happens once — the initiation.
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The Lord’s Supper is ongoing — the nourishment.
Both are necessary, but each functions differently.
Common Misunderstandings
A. Baptism as Salvation
Some believe water baptism itself saves. This contradicts Ephesians 2:8–9. Baptism is necessary, but as a sign of faith, not as a mechanical cause of salvation.
B. Re-baptism
Many former Adventists wrestle with whether to be re-baptized. If your Adventist baptism was done as part of a false gospel system, it may be wise to receive baptism anew in a true gospel context, as an affirmation of belonging to Christ alone.
C. The Supper as Law
In some traditions, the Supper becomes a legalistic ritual. But Christ gave it as nourishment, not a burden. It is gospel food, not a law requirement.
D. Frequency of the Supper
Some churches celebrate quarterly, others weekly. Biblically, the early church often “broke bread” when they gathered (Acts 20:7). Frequency should serve the purpose of spiritual nourishment, not tradition for its own sake.
End of Temple Sacrifices
The destruction of the temple in AD 70 marked the definitive end of sacrifices. The ordinances stand as the New Covenant’s only rituals — baptism once, the Supper ongoing. No more animal sacrifices, no more temple offerings, only the Christ-given signs.
This historical marker shows God Himself transitioned His people from shadows to substance.
Analogy: Wedding Ring and Anniversary Meal
Baptism is like the wedding ring — the once-for-all sign of covenant union. The Lord’s Supper is like the anniversary meal — the ongoing renewal and celebration of love.
Would a husband ever confuse the ring or meal for the marriage itself? No. They point to the deeper reality. So too with the ordinances.
Practical Guidance for Former Adventists
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Receive baptism as a gospel sign, not a legal duty. If needed, be baptized anew in a Christ-centered church.
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Approach the Supper with faith. See it as nourishment, not as an empty ritual.
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Let ordinances assure you. When doubts come, remember your baptism and feed on Christ in the Supper.
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Teach your family. Help children see baptism and the Supper as pictures of Jesus, not as magic or law.
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Avoid extremes. Neither neglect nor over-exalt the ordinances. Keep Christ central.
Conclusion: Signs of Grace, Not Burdens of Law
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are simple, beautiful gifts. They point beyond themselves to the crucified and risen Christ. They do not save by themselves, but they assure, nourish, and strengthen believers in the gospel.
Former and questioning Adventists, rejoice: the burden of endless rituals is gone. Only two ordinances remain, and both are filled with grace, not fear. Receive them gladly, for they point you to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.
Reflection Questions
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What did baptism mean to you in Adventism, and how do you see it differently now?
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How can you approach the Lord’s Supper with deeper faith and joy?
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How do the sacraments strengthen your assurance in Christ?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us baptism and the Lord’s Supper as signs of Your grace. Help us to see past the symbols to You, the Savior they point to. Strengthen our faith through these sacraments, and keep us centered on Your finished work. Amen.
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