SEMESTER 5
367 – The Articles of Faith Concerning Baptism and the Lord’s Table
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 67
CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – CONCERNING BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S TABLE
Read: Acts 8:36-39
, I Cor. 11:23-28
INTRODUCTION:
1. Errors concerning church ordinances abound everywhere.
2. The source of these errors is at least threefold:
i. The definition of a New Testament Church.
ii. The nature of the ordinances: symbolic, not sacerdotal.
iii. The purpose of them: not meritorious, but testimonial.
I. THE PROPER AND BIBLICAL MODE OF BAPTISM
1. It is the immersion of a believer in water.
2. It is to symbolically state the faith of the Gospel.
3. This faith logically defines both candidate and method.
III:This by the old practice of “Checking our sums.”
4. No tradition or religious preference matters at all.
II. THE PROPER PURPOSE OF BAPTISM
1. It is to state faith, never to appropriate righteousness.
2. Our righteousness is in Christ, and that is by faith.
3. Sacerdotalism denies the sufficiency of Christ’s death.
4. This symbolic statement of faith places us in the Lord’s Church. (I Cor. 12:13)
III. THE BIBLICAL AUTHORITY FOR BAPTISM
1. The commission to baptize is to the church. (Mat. 28:19-20)
2. This is why the definition of church is so important.
3. To be a church, faith, order and practice must be right.
III:By the vote for Baptist Baptism and open communion at Madill. (Hear on tape.)
III:Some “Baptist churches are like the boy’s “ham sandwich.” (Hear on tape.)
IV. THE LORD’S TABLE
1. Again the purpose must be symbolic, not meritorious.
2. The person must be a properly baptized believer.
3. Participation must be accompanied by careful examination.
4. The bread must be unleavened, symbolizing His sinless body.
5. The cup must be fruit of the vine, symbolizing shedding of His blood.
V. BOTH MUST STATE OUR FAITH
1. A legalistic approach to either is erroneous and philosophically sacerdotal.
2. Both are to state faith and they gain no righteousness.
3. Baptism is to be a testimony of faith, and is to be done in remembrance of Him until He comes.