by Carl Paulino

Created on: December 19, 2008

Baptism and communion are the two ordinances that Christ gave the church. While both of them are symbolic to some extent, both have profound spiritual significance in terms of benefits and consequences.

We can learn from 1Corinthians 11:29-30 that by taking communion in an unworthy manner, we eat and drink damnation onto ourselves, not discerning the Lord's body. Paul went on to say that was the reason many in the church were weak and sickly, and many were dead. The elements (bread and juice) are symbolic, in that they represent the Body and The Blood of Jesus. Communion itself however, obviously, has great spiritual significance.

The same is true of Baptism. Unfortunately, Baptism has been reduced to a mere symbolic act. It is widely taught in many denominations that Baptism is "a public demonstration of faith". While it can be, in and of itself, that is the one thing the Bible doesn't say about baptism. Our lives are to be (lived as) a "public demonstration of faith".

My main contention to Baptism being reduced to a "symbolic act" is Jesus Christ was not inclined to accept or espouse Symbolism over Substance. HE sought a repentant and contrite heart as opposed to honoring HIM with one's lips while their heart was far from them.

It is difficult for me to imagine, that Christ Jesus, who railed against "religion", or the rituals and traditions of men (with Pharisees etc) would instruct us to perform a "ritualistic" or symbolic act if that is all there was to it.

The Significance of Baptism According to Jesus

Jesus was baptized!

Matthew 3:16 -17 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, IN Whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

If there ever was a "symbolic baptism" it would have been Christ Jesus'. Especially since John's Baptism was a baptism of repentance. Christ told John to baptize Him to Fulfill all righteousness! Look at the spiritual significance of Christ's baptism. It is then the Holy Spirit of God comes upon HIM and His earthly ministry begins as led by The Spirit. Are we of better stock than HE to expect anything less upon following HIS example?

Jesus Commands believers to be baptized.

Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,

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