Page 101 - Bible Doctrine Survey I - Student Textbook (3)

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ
was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

When a person is placed under the water, it symbolizes burial with Christ. Then coming out of the water
symbolizes rising from death to new life.

In the New Testament baptism was done immediately after a person is saved (Acts 2:41; 8:12, 36-38;
9:18; 10:47,48; 16:14,15,33; 18:8). So when a person is saved and realizes the significance of baptism, it
would seem to be the right time.

2. The Lord’s Supper - The regular use of the bread and cup to symbolically
commemorate with other believers the saving work of Christ on the cross. Christ
initiated it at the Last Supper. Christ gave the final two elements of that Passover meal
a new significance to be practiced after His death (Luke 22:7-20).
This ordinance is a command (“Do this” – 1 Corinthians 11:24,25) to be practiced
regularly (“as often as” – 1 Corinthians 11:25,26) throughout this church age (“proclaim
the Lord’s death until He comes” – 1 Corinthians 11:26).

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to Christ’s saving work on the cross. The bread represents Christ’s
substitutionary death in our place (“for you” – Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24) and the cup represents
Christ’s fulfilling of the old covenant sacrifice system (“the new covenant in my blood” – Luke 22:20; 1
Corinthians 11:25).

How often should believers share in the Lord’s Supper? Jesus told us to do it as often as you want to.
Some churches practice it weekly, monthly, or quarterly. However, it should be practiced “often” so
that believers continue to remember the great sacrifice that was offered on their behalf to provide them
salvation. It also reminds believers to share the great work of Christ with others.

What is the purpose for the local church?

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