Covenant Treasure Institute
ORDINANCES
LESSON 3, COMMUNION, WATER BAPTISM AND INFANT DEDICATION
By Patricia Smith
Communion:
Communion is the Christian celebration of the Jewish Passover, a type/shadow/picture of something far more wonderful under the new covenant. In order to sufficiently understand what we are doing when we administer communion in a service, or make it available, we must go to the Old Testament and look at the significance of Passover.
Exodus Chapters 12-14 gives the account of the first Passover celebration. The occasion was the deliverance of the entire nation of Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt.
Hebrews 11 says that "by faith" they kept the Passover. Why did it require faith on their part to simply follow the instructions the Lord laid out for them to escape the judgment of Egypt and be delivered? Because there had been 9 previous plagues brought upon Egypt. During at least three of these plagues, Pharaoh had told Moses that he would allow the people to leave peaceably if only he would stay the plague. At least three times Moses stayed the plague and three times Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he reneged on his promise. So here we have Israel ready to go three previous times and three times they have been disappointed. Now Moses says God is requiring an action on their part. Faith usually requires an action on our part.
What was the "action"? Each family was to kill a lamb, sprinkle its blood on the side posts and lintels (overhead section of their doors) of the doors to their houses. They were then to roast the lamb and each family was to eat it with bitter herbs and unleavened bread and prepare to leave Egypt. Still, why did this require "faith"?
Exodus 8:26 says: "…we shall sacrifice the 'abomination' of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes and will they not stone us?"
It was unlawful to sacrifice a lamb in worship, because a lamb to Egyptians was "an abomination". The reason we know this is recorded in Genesis 46:33, 34. Jacob is moving to Egypt to be reunited with his son Joseph (then 2nd in command in all Egypt) and Joseph is telling him that when Pharaoh asks his occupation he should tell him, "thy servants trade has been about cattle". Then he goes on to explain that if Jacob wants to be allowed t o live in Goshen, the best suburb of Egypt , he needs not divulge that they are shepherds, because "every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians."
Just about every heavenly body, animal and creeping thing was some sort of God to the Egyptians EXCEPT sheep. You were prohibited by law from sacrificing them under punishment of death by stoning!
Now Moses tells the people that God's destroying angel will pass through Egypt at midnight and execute judgment by slaying the firstborn of both man and beast in every house. The good news is that He has made a way for His own people to avoid this judgment! (Can you see the relationship between the Church, the world, the judgment of God and the provision of the blood of Jesus?) His way of escape as it has always been is through blood! In other words when the avenging angel passes through, he sees blood on certain houses and is led to understand that there is no need to visit those houses because justice has already been done…the evidence is the blood!
But the blood that must be shed is the blood of a lamb….under peril of judgment by Egyptian law! Now you can see how faith was mixed into this equation! In every house a decision had to be made. Remember, they had already been promised by Pharaoh on three prior occasions that they could leave, but each time they were disappointed. Now they had to think….if Moses is right and WE DON'T kill the lamb, then our firstborn will die along with the Egyptians. But if WE DO kill the lamb and this is like those other times and Pharaoh doesn't allow us leave, then Pharaoh will stone the one who kills the lamb in each house. And BY FAITH each household made the decision to "kill the lamb" trusting God for their very lives. What a beautiful picture of Christ! If God's word is not true, if Jesus is not the Christ, and we apply His blood, we will perish in this world, the most miserable of all men. But if it is true, and we don't avail ourselves of His blood, then we will most certainly perish for eternity. We must in each household decide whether or not to kill the lamb. Notice God told them to slay one lamb for each HOUSE, not one lamb per person, but per HOUSEHOLD! This thing runs in families. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, we will kill the lamb! Every time you walk down and take communion with your family, you are saying, our household has put the blood of the Lamb of God over the doorposts of our HOUSE, and we will serve the Lord! This is why Paul was able to tell the Phillipian jailer who asked the plan of salvation, "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved…AND YOUR HOUSE!"
Another pertinent fact….They were told that the lamb had to be roasted on an open fire, not any of it boiled. Why is this significant? There were between 3 and 6 million Israelis in Egypt by this time. Divide that however you like, by the average family (4 - 5?? even 6-7) how many lambs would that be? Quite a few! God did not want this thing done secretly. You could have furtively killed y lamb, butchered it, carried it secretly into your house, cut it into pieces, put it in a big pot of water, covered it with a tight lid and boiled it and perhaps no one would have known that you had broken Egypt's law! BUT NO….God said "roast" it OUTSIDE on an open fire! Think of the aroma that wafted through the entire land of Egypt…..a blatant statement of faith in Pharaoh’s face! Hundreds of roasting lambs! Small wonder this required faith!
Now one of the most fantastic truths this "type" reveals is this: In a multitude of that many people, who had been ill-treated and abused as slaves…how many do you suppose were sick, diseased, feeble, old, infirm, weak? Quite a few wouldn't you imagine? Take that many people today. For example let us say New York City, in this modern day and time, full of physicians, doctors and hospitals and modern medicine. Still….how many do you think are sick, diseased, feeble, old, infirm and weak? Think about it.
Now look at Psalm 105:37…"He brought them forth also with silver and gold and THERE WAS NOT ONE FEEBLE PERSON AMONG THEIR TRIBES"!!!
Now what had happened? When the judgment came and they came out of their blood labeled houses, ready to leave in force, there was not one sick or weak one among them! OVERNIGHT a miracle had transpired in each house! The blood outside provided safety from the judgment, but the eaten lamb and unleavened bread on the inside had provided miraculous healing! WHAT A TYPE!!!!
THERE IS HEALING, THROUGH FAITH IN THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS! When we receive the wine, Jesus said, that this was His blood "for the remission of sin"….we are protected from judgment. So then why do we partake of the bread? Because He said it was "his body, broken for us". You can't eat a loaf of bread until you "break" it. When you "break" bread at the Lord's table you are actually partaking of His body (by faith, not literally as some would say) and that broken body provides other things than just the forgiving of sins. If that was all it was about then the wine alone would be sufficient. When the Jews bake the unleavened bread, they bake it on a rack so that when it is done it has "stripes" across it. Jesus said that the stripes on his body (his back) was for our healing! By His stripes we were healed! Yes, when you eat the bread that you can see, you are making the faith statement in what you cannot see….His own body…and there is healing it that body. If it was so in the type and shadow, how much more in the substance of reality! If the blood delivered from judgment and sin in Egypt, how much more the blood of Christ providing deliverance from judgment and sin for eternity! No wonder Jesus said we had "passed from death unto life and shall not come into condemnation (judgment)!! Hallelujah, this is shouting ground!
Another note for you who plan to be ministry that would administer this blessed communion to others….In every house there were no doubt small children who had no concept of what was going on. Yet in every house, every person ate the lamb, because every person regardless of age was leaving Egypt on the morrow. Our children may be too young to understand the significance of the communion, but if they are in our household and the trump blows, they are going to be "caught up" the same as the adults. LET THEM RECEIVE COMMUNION. FORBID THEM NOT.
In our church, we provide communion each Sunday at the front, so that anyone may come and receive it at any time during worship on a spontaneous basis. I believe this is very appropriate and that communion should not be just provided the first Sunday of the month as a ritual, or some other such thing. It should be available for people at all times. Jesus said "as often as you do this” He did not say "how often" He simply said just DO IT in remembrance of me. It is very appropriate at any time for any of us to "remember" that we are covenant people and remember what He has done for us. I personally remember holding sick children in my lap in the middle of the night, giving them wine and a cracker, having prayed over it and reminding myself and the Lord of our covenant agreement. My children are all grown and healthy to this day, and so are their children….."As for me and my house!" Anytime is the right time for communion if it is partaken of for the right reasons. It is a celebration.
As ministers it is our responsibility to see that those placed under our care realize just exactly what communion is, why we take it, and the benefits of it. Then we should see that it is made available. You may purchase communion sets at most bible bookstores. Some churches use genuine Jewish Passover wine (Mogen David) and genuine Jewish unleavened bread (Matzohs). Others feel that some would take offense at fermented wine and use grape juice instead. Some feel that after Jesus death we should use leavened bread. Some use soda crackers, some purchase communion "wafers", but all of this is immaterial. If you are pastoring a church, pray and seek God for wisdom in the use of the sacraments, but the important thing is not what you use, but that you partake of it in the right spirit, expecting miracles and teach God's people so!
Water Baptism:
Baptism is an ancient custom symbolizing repentance or a turning away from the past, literally, turning around and going the other way. It was not just begun in Jesus day, but the "washing of water" in worship dates back to the Law of Moses when the priests would wash in the laver before going into the Holy place to minister in the tabernacle.
When Jesus walked down to the Jordan to be baptized of John, however, baptism took on a whole new meaning to the people of God. He was our example and He said it needed to be done to fulfill all righteousness. After his water baptism, He was baptized with the Holy Spirit. After His Spirit baptism His life changed dramatically as He then began His ministry.
Baptism symbolizes our burial. Actually there are three baptisms in the New Testament. The first one is our baptism into His death, or our being born again. At this baptism, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the element of the body of Christ and we are born-again. When we are baptized in the element of water, we make an outward statement that we are now "buried with Him" and when we are baptized in the Spirit, Christ baptizes us into the element of the Holy Spirit.
Baptizing in water is actually a simple ceremony. It is an outward manifestation of an inward work. Somehow many have tried to complicate it ….do we completely immerse, do we sprinkle….do we say "in Jesus name only" or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Quite frankly it is of little consequence HOW we do it. The important thing is that we DO it!! The importance is in the fact that the person has died out to their old life, received Christ and now having died with Him is making the statement that He is going to live in Him!
I believe that since Jesus was totally immersed in water, then we also do no wrong to be immersed and indeed recommend it heartily. However, I have personally baptized people by sprinkling either because they themselves requested it, or because someone desires to have a baby or very small child baptized, and sprinkling avoids trauma to the child. I believe in baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost because not only is it scriptural, but it includes all three persons of deity. However, if you desire to baptize only in Jesus name, I hardly see it as a point of argument. If you do, you most likely need to rethink your position and your priorities in the Kingdom.
As for the dissension concerning infant baptism, I personally believe in dedicating babies and children to God. If baptism makes the parent feel better about the spiritual state of their children, then by all means I will baptize them. This in no way negates the fact that they will make their own decision for Christ when they come to an accountable age and will probably want to be re-baptized later, but it certainly does no harm to baptize an infant or child at their parents' request.
Is baptism necessary in order to go to heaven? ABSOLUTELY NOT. To say so says that the blood of Jesus is not sufficient to pay the price for our sins. Somehow, by our "work" of baptism, we must add to the payment that He made. This borders on blasphemy and doing despite to the cross of Christ.
To conduct a baptismal ceremony, whether in a church baptistery or an outdoor body of water, the minister in charge should say something concerning each person he/she baptizes regarding their decision to live for Christ. It is advisable to address the entire group of people intending to be baptized in the service privately before the ceremony and make sure that you are baptizing believers! If a child desires baptism then I believe they should not be refused unless the parents themselves feel that he/she is not capable of making such a decision. In either case baptism cannot hurt them and my feeling is that it would do more hurt to refuse them than to allow it even if they are not cognizant of what they are truly doing. There is no law that says they cannot be baptized again later if they feel that they were in ignorance the first time.
I also believe in praying over the individual first. If you have someone assisting you, have them stand on the other side of the person you are baptizing. This is probably advisable, particularly if you are a female and must baptize larger and heavier individuals than yourself. Always put your hand lightly over the person's nose and mouth to avoid any mishap as they go under the water. Say the person's name such as "Mary, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost" and position them backwards into the water quickly but carefully! When they come up, many people want to just stand there a moment or two and praise God. Some people actually receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit at this time. You should be prepared for any reaction! I have seen some shout and dance and splash water six feet away. I have seen some go out in the Spirit, in which case you must take care that they are lifted up out of the water. I have seen some speak in tongues and prophesy. Whatever the case, be prepared for any eventuality.
In conclusion, the ordinances of the church should not be worshipped or touted as part of God's salvation plan. However, since Jesus admonished us to do them, they should not be neglected and tossed aside as unimportant either. There is a definite blessing associated with both communion and water baptism. Don't miss it, and don't allow those whom God places under your care miss it!
Infant Dedication:
As we have seen in our study of the communion, salvation is a family matter. God has promised us that our redemption includes our households. From Genesis throughout the entire bible, we see this plan of “families” unfolding. The promise to Abraham was to him and his seed…and in him all the “FAMILIES” (not individuals) of the earth would be blessed. We of course, know that Abraham’s seed is Christ and in Him we are Abraham’s seed and “heirs” according to the promise. Our families are blessed.
We acknowledge this by dedicating our children to the Lord. A lot of churches and pastors will crowd this into an already crowded schedule and basically rush through with a prayer of dedication over the child. This serves the purpose, however it is my personal feeling this is a very special time for parents. I feel it needs to be a memorable occasion. A time that in years to come they can look back at and pinpoint as the time when they literally walked into the very presence of God and laid that child in the arms of the Lord. This is a comforting thing when your child is sick, or when they are older and in rebellion or otherwise in trouble. You can always remember that time and remind God of it; when you gave Him that child.
For this reason, I believe in having at least a small ceremony to demonstrate to the family the importance of what they are doing. When I was pasturing, I would make sure we did a baby dedication in a service that we could give at least 15 minutes for this ceremony. The parents and grandparents (or in some cases god parents) were called to the front of the church, holding the baby. I would take a text, usually the one about Hannah devoting Samuel to the Lord. If you are familiar with the family you may take a text you believe is more appropriate for that particular family. In any case, you should expound on the importance of this act; the part that they can depend on God to play in the life of this child,, and the part they must commit to perform. You may even ask “vows” of them as in a wedding, the family may request a particular person and a song to be performed, or you may suggest one. Then, request them to give you the infant as a priest or representative of Christ receiving this child. Allow the congregation to see the child and then lift it to the Lord and in prayer, deliver this child as a gift to Him. Often in full gospel churches, prophecies will come forth over the children. Receive them as you do any other prophecy. Monitor its content and re-state the message of the prophet to the parents.
It is always good, if at all possible, to provide a separate 15 minute tape of the ceremony to the parents after the service. This provides a memorable occasion for the family that will be with them the rest of their lives, and the words of instruction they are given they will not soon forget.
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In conclusion, the ordinances of the church should not be worshipped or touted as part of God’s salvation plan. However, since Jesus admonished us to do them, they should not be neglected and tossed aside as unimportant either. There is a definite blessing associated with both communion and water baptism. Don’t miss it and don’t allow those whom God places under your care miss it!
TEST REVIEW
Ordinances, Lesson 3, Communion, Baptism & Infant Dedication
Communion is the Christian celebration of what Jewish feast? __________________________
Explain why, according to Heb. 11, Israel “kept the Passover BY FAITH”. ________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Faith usually requires action. What “action” was required of Israel to act in faith? __________ ____________________________________________________________________________
Israel was told to slay a lame for each _________________ not for each __________________.
Why did God require them to “roast” the lamb on an open fire and forbid them to boil it? ____ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain why the blood on the doorposts of the houses was significant. ____________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
What notable miracle, as recorded in Psalm 105, occurred when Israel “ate the lamb”? _______ ____________________________________________________________________________
This tells us that there is __________________ through faith in the shed blood of Jesus.
When we take communion, we are taking His __________ for the ______________________.
If forgiveness was all we needed, there would be no need to partake of the ________________.
The bread of communion symbolizes ________________ of Christ and there is ____________ in His body.
True or False: It is wrong to give children communion who are not old enough to understand what they are doing. __________ Give a reason for your answer. ________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How often should you administer communion or receive communion for yourself? __________ ____________________________________________________________________________
It is appropriate _________________ to ____________________ that we are covenant people.
True or False: It is very important that you use only certain kinds of wine, juice or bread when you are preparing communion. ___________________
True or False: Water baptism began with John the Baptist. ______________
Baptism symbolizes our _______________ in Christ.
There are three baptisms that a Christian should undergo. They are: 1. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into _____________________________________ 2. An ordained minister baptizes us in ___________________________________________ 3. Jesus baptizes us into _______________________________________________________
It is not so important whether we immerse or sprinkle, or what names or names of God we use when we baptize, but what is important is __________________________________________.
Generally, we prefer to dedicate babies, but sometimes parents want their child baptized. Is this alright to do? ______________
True or False: It is necessary to be baptized in order to go to heaven. _______________
It is always wise to ____________________________ helping when you baptize.
When you baptize you should be prepared for ____________________________.
Our families are _______________________.
We acknowledge that our children belong to God by ___________________ them in a church service.
A pastor should allow ______________________ for an infant dedication.
It is good to have a memorable ____________________ during which you might have a _____________ and read a scripture text.
Many times in spirit-filled churches ______________________ will go forth over the child. How do you receive these? ______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
It is a good idea, if possible, to provide the parents with a ________________ after the service.