Title
A Visible Form of Invisible Grace
Scripture
This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise... This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
(Luke 22:19-20)
Devotional
The two core ordinances of the local New Testament church have always been baptism and the Lord's supper (Communion). They are sacraments, visible forms of God's invisible grace. These have always likewise been under the authority of the church. They are to be observed with dignity and reverence, never to be taken lightly. Each is a covenant function. These observances are directly related to Jesus Christ and Him crucified. They cannot and should not ever be separated from Him. They are not only covenants with His Church they are covenants with Him. Each takes preparation. The requirement for baptism is salvation, based upon the Lordship of Christ. The requirement for the Lord's table is salvation and self-examination. We are instructed, "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup."[3] Have you observed these ordinances since you believed?