What are the Christian sacraments and ordinances?

Definition and Terminology

Christian traditions often use the terms “sacraments” and “ordinances” to describe practices that were expressly commanded or instituted by the Messiah, recorded in Scripture, and passed down through the generations as essential elements of corporate worship and personal faith. Historically, “sacrament” has been used to emphasize the mysterious work of divine grace, while “ordinance” underlines Christ’s command to engage in these practices. The central focus in both terms is obedience to the instruction found in the biblical record.

Scriptural and Historical Foundations

The New Testament epistles and the recorded teachings of Jesus form the primary basis for understanding these sacred practices. From the earliest preserved Greek manuscripts—such as the renowned papyrus collections that align closely with the Textus Receptus and early church quotations—scholars have noted a consistent text that calls believers to participate in these rites.

Early believers also referred to a document called the “Didache” (late first or early second century), which instructs on baptism, fasting, and the communal meal. Archaeological findings, such as early Christian baptisteries and inscriptions on catacombs in Rome, corroborate the significance of these practices in the life of the first-century Church.

Baptism

Baptism is commonly viewed as an outward sign of an inward transformation, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah.

1. Institution by the Messiah

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This command undergirds the practice, indicating both its divine institution and the Trinitarian formula.

2. Symbolism and Meaning

Romans 6:4 teaches that believers are “buried with Him through baptism into death,” signifying a dying to sin. Baptism represents the washing away of the old life and the beginning of a new one. Galatians 3:27 emphasizes putting on the Messiah “like a garment,” reflecting union with Him.

3. Mode and Method

The Greek word for “baptize” (baptizō) generally means “to immerse.” In earliest centuries, full immersion was the prevailing method. Some communities, especially in regions with scarce water, practiced alternate methods, but the representative nature of immersion remains widely recognized.

4. Historical Evidence

Excavations of ancient churches often reveal large baptismal fonts or pools, providing tangible evidence of how seriously the early believers regarded this practice. These findings across regions—such as in portions of the Middle East and southern Europe—highlight baptism’s pivotal role in church life.

The Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist)

This ordinance is a commemoration of the Messiah’s atoning work, celebrated with bread and the fruit of the vine.

1. Biblical Command

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” (1 Corinthians 11:23). The directive continues in verses 24–25, instructing believers to partake “in remembrance” of Him.

2. Purpose

The Lord’s Supper calls to mind the sacrifice of the Messiah and unites participants in the fellowship of His body. It reminds believers of the covenantal promise, looking back to the cross and looking forward to His return: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

3. Historic and Archaeological Echoes

Early Christian art in the catacombs and on ancient church walls depicts gatherings where a shared meal or bread and cup are central acts of worship. Archaeological uncoverings of communal meal rooms or references to the “love feast” in certain church sites attest to the consistent observance of this ordinance.

4. Unity and Self-Examination

The communal aspect of the supper underscores unity within the congregation. Believers are urged to examine themselves to avoid taking part in an unworthy manner. Paul’s letters consistently remind readers that this practice fosters humility, repentance, and renewed devotion.

Additional Practices in Some Traditions

Beyond baptism and the Lord’s Supper, some Christian communities observe other acts rooted in Scriptural commands, though these are not universally recognized as sacraments or ordinances by everyone:

1. Foot Washing

Some cite John 13:14, where the Messiah washes His disciples’ feet and commands them to do likewise as a sign of humility and service.

2. Other Observances

Certain traditions classify matrimony, anointing the sick with oil for prayer (James 5:14–15), and ordination as sacraments or ordinances. These reflect ways believers honor foundational teachings and maintain structure in corporate life, although the biblical emphasis on baptism and the Lord’s Supper remains primary.

Doctrinal Significance

Both baptism and the Lord’s Supper encapsulate core truths of the faith:

• They gravitate around the central redemptive work of the Messiah, commemorating His sacrifice and resurrection.

• They remind believers of their unity in the body and their calling to follow His teachings.

• They elevate corporate and personal faith, fostering remembrance of what God has done, is doing, and will do.

Consistency and Reliability

All extant manuscripts that address these ordinances show an unambiguous emphasis on fidelity to Christ’s commands. Critical scholarship—supported by abundant manuscript evidence—indicates no deviation in core verses related to these practices from the earliest centuries onward. The unbroken testimony of the Church Fathers also reinforces the inherent authority of these sacred rites.

Concluding Observations

Christian sacraments or ordinances exist as a testimony to God’s covenant faithfulness. Through consistent manuscript evidence, early church writings, and the enduring tradition of practice, baptism and the Lord’s Supper stand as instruments of grace and obedience. They serve to unite believers in shared faith, reflecting the foundation of spiritual transformation, perseverance in worship, and the everlasting hope anchored in the risen Messiah.