Dictionary of Bible Themes The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper were instituted by Jesus Christ as signs and seals of the covenant. They explain the basis of this covenant and apply its benefits to believers. They replace circumcision and the Passover which were the sacraments of the old covenant. Matthew 28:19The sacraments as signs of the new covenant Baptism See also Acts 2:38,41Baptism is one sign of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25The Lord's Supper pp Mt 26:26-28 pp Mk 14:22-24 pp Lk 22:17-20 The new covenant was sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:27The sacraments as a participation in the body of Christ Baptism See also Romans 6:3In the NT baptism immediately follows conversion and testifies to the individual's union with Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17The Lord's Supper See also Matthew 26:26The "body of Christ" is a term which goes beyond Jesus Christ to the church. Those who partake of the bread in this way are declaring their membership of the church. pp Mk 14:22 John 6:32-35,48pp Lk 22:19 pp 1Co 11:24 John 6:50-58Jesus Christ likens himself to bread as he is the source of spiritual life and nourishment The believer who eats the bread of the Lord's Supper is renewing his or her dependence on Jesus Christ for spiritual life. Romans 6:3-4The sacraments as a participation in the death of Christ Baptism See also Acts 2:38; 22:16Through baptism individuals declare that they have applied to themselves the death of Jesus Christ which atones for sin. Romans 6:5-7Colossians 2:12 Baptism does not accomplish the cleansing from sin but it is the outward sign that this has taken place by faith Titus 3:51 Peter 3:21 1 Corinthians 11:26 The Lord's Supper See also Matthew 26:27-28In taking the emblems of Jesus Christ's broken body and shed blood individuals perpetually apply the merits of Christ's death (i.e., forgiveness of sins) to themselves. pp Mk 14:23-24 John 6:53-56pp Lk 22:20 1 Corinthians 10:16pp 1Co 11:25 Acts 7:8The sacraments of the old covenant Circumcision See also Genesis 17:10-14Circumcision was the initiation rite under the old covenant. Romans 2:28-29Romans 4:10-11 Circumcision was never meant as merely an outward rite. To be effective it required a right attitude of heart Colossians 2:11-12Circumcision was the seal of Abraham's righteousness imputed to him by his faith Exodus 12:25-27Circumcision has now been superseded by baptism for the Christian as the rite of initiation. The Passover See also Luke 22:15-16The Passover meal was instituted as a regular commemoration of Israel's redemption from slavery in Egypt. 1 Corinthians 5:7See also The death of Jesus Christ is closely associated with the Passover by its timing and meaning. The Lord's Supper has superseded the Passover as the corporate meal commemorating the act of redemption 1345 covenant2315 Jesus Christ, as Lamb 2412 cross, accounts of 4422 brier 6754 union with Christ 7028 church, life of 7115 children of God 7336 circumcision, spiritual 7406 Passover 7408 Pentecost 7908 baptism, significance 7933 Lord's Supper |
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