Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Baptism is an outward symbol of a profound inner change. Baptism symbolizes the death and burial of our old life of sin and selfishness and our resurrection to a whole new life of dependence on Christ. According to the Bible, we become a part of the body of Christ (His church) by baptism.
We Seventh-day Adventists follow the example of Christ's own baptism – baptism by immersion – that is, by being lowered completely beneath the water. Baptism as a symbol of death, burial, and resurrection loses its significance, we feel, when Christians are baptized simply by pouring or sprinkling. And since baptism signifies a personal decision to accept Jesus as Saviour, we do not baptize infants.
A second spiritual ordinance, or ceremony, observed by Seventh-day Adventists is the Lord's Supper. Just before His crucifixion, Christ met with His disciples in an upper room somewhere in Jerusalem and instituted a special memorial of His death for us all. He shared with them unleavened bread as a symbol of His body – soon to be sacrificed on the cross – and grape juice as a symbol of the blood He would soon be shed. Then He asked them to observe this special memorial in the future, until His second coming.
Just prior to that first Lord's Supper, Christ instituted another spiritual ceremony. As an example of humility, service, and spiritual cleansing, Christ washed the feet of His disciples and asked His followers to do as He had done.
Jesus did not say how often the Lord's Supper or the foot-washing service should be observed. Adventists usually celebrate them quarterly – every three months. Men and women meet separately to wash each others' feet, then meet together to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Some local congregations have added an area where families can minister to each other through this service of humility. Adventists practice what is called an "open communion," meaning that Christians of any faith are invited to join them in the observance of these special memorials Jesus gave.
Here are some supporting Scriptural texts.
- Romans 6:3, 4
- 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13
- Matthew 3:13-16
- Matthew 28:19, 20
- Mark 16:15, 16
- Colossians 2:12
- Galatians 3:27
- Acts 2:38
- Acts 8:36-39
- John 13:1-7
- Matthew 28:26-30
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-30