We believe that there are two ordinances of the local church, both instituted by Jesus Christ himself: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance of the local church (Matt. 28:19) in which a believer is immersed in water (Acts 8:38-39) upon his profession of faith (Acts 2:41) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It is a visible sign of union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4) and signifies that the one being baptized has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and forgiven of all his sins (Acts 22:16). While baptism is an act of obedience, it is also something that is received rather than performed, reflecting the way in which salvation itself is received from God (Eph. 2:8-9). Through baptism, the believer publicly identifies with Christ and His church, declaring to the world that he belongs to Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20). Baptism not only signifies these gospel realities but also serves as a means of grace, strengthening the faith of the believer and assuring him that he has died to sin and now walks in newness of life. It is an ordinance administered by the elders of a local church.
At Trinity Bible Chapel our baptism times are the highlight of our ministry year as Luke chapter 15 tells us there is much rejoicing in heaven at the conversion of even one person. As such we too should celebrate when individuals publicly stand and proclaim their love for and commitment to Jesus Christ.
To request more information, or to sign up to be baptized, click here.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the local church and a sign of the new covenant (Matt. 26:26-28). The bread represents the Saviour’s body (Matt. 26:26), and the wine, His blood (Matt. 26:28). The Lord’s Supper reminds us that through Christ’s broken body and shed blood, our sins have been paid for and forgiven (Matt. 26:28). As we partake of the Supper we also commune with Christ (1 Cor. 10:16), who is present with us, and we are spiritually nourished as we receive and feed upon Him by faith (John 6:53). In this way, the Lord’s Supper serves as a means of grace, through which God strengthens our souls and assures us of His promises. It is a meal that unifies the body of Christ and marks us off from the world (1 Cor. 10:17), and therefore it is only for believers and must be approached with reverence and self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27-29). The Supper ultimately looks forward to the day of Christ’s return (1 Cor. 11:26). It is an ordinance administered by the elders and offered with the entire local church invited.
