Ecc Ques 2

Ashley Gordon TH 104 Ecclesiology Dr. Knoblet Submission Three 1. Explain the word “baptism.” Why do we have it in the local church? The meaning of “baptism” is; Based upon the practice of the apostles and the example of the early church, it appears that only those who were baptized participated in the Lord's Supper. Baptism is placed first in prominence after the exercise of faith in the process of disciple-making. Christ's words in Matt. 28:19,20 are clear: make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe all things which He has commanded. Acts 2: 41,42 sets forth the company of believers continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread. Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ. One who is of mature age, knows he is saved and refuses to submit to baptism is simply a disobedient believer. In the New Testament baptism is associated with repentance and forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 22:16), the believer's union with Christ (Rom 6:1-10), and with the making of disciples or followers of Christ. The basic theological concept is that of one's identification with another, or a group, or a position. This is borne out by a study of the uses of the word in the New Testament. For the study at hand, ritual baptism of the believer, it concerns his identification with the Gospel message, the person of the savior, and with His people, (the body of Christ and particularly that group known as the local church). Baptism is an important symbol. The notion that baptism in some way

completes (or effects) salvation is completely erroneous and is out of harmony with the teaching of the New Testament. It is the blood of Christ that cleanses from sin and not the water of baptism (Eph 1:7; Heb 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Rev 1:5). Baptism looks back and in symbolic form may testify to this cleansing, but it does not cause the cleansing from sin. We have baptism in the local church, to show our relationship with Christ and show our church family that we have made a commitment to follow Christ. Shows the believer union with Christ. Local church is there to support your relationship with Christ. 2. Write a paragraph about the Jewish Passover. How does this relate to our communion? In Exodus 12 tells about the Jewish Passover; 3. Did the Lord give the New Covenant to the Church? Is the Lord's Supper the New Covenant?