Topical Encyclopedia In the context of Christian theology, an ordinance refers to a religious rite or practice that is observed as a commandment. Common ordinances include baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion). While these practices hold significant spiritual and symbolic value within the Christian faith, the Bible emphasizes that they are insufficient for salvation on their own. Salvation, according to Scripture, is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not a result of human works or rituals.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, underscores the principle that salvation is not achieved through human effort or adherence to ordinances. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that salvation is a divine gift, not contingent upon human actions or observance of religious rites. Similarly, in his letter to the Galatians, Paul addresses the insufficiency of the law and ordinances for justification. Galatians 2:16 declares, "know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." Here, Paul emphasizes that faith in Christ, rather than adherence to the law or ordinances, is the basis for justification before God. The Role of Ordinances While ordinances are not salvific, they serve as important expressions of faith and obedience. Baptism, for instance, is an outward sign of an inward transformation and identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3-4 , Paul explains, "Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life." The Lord's Supper, likewise, is a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice and a proclamation of His death until He returns. In 1 Corinthians 11:26 , Paul writes, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes." These ordinances are vital for spiritual growth and community worship, yet they are not the means by which salvation is obtained. Warnings Against Reliance on Ordinances The New Testament contains warnings against relying on ordinances for salvation. In Colossians 2:16-17 , Paul cautions, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." This passage suggests that religious rituals and observances are mere shadows pointing to the reality found in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus Himself criticized the Pharisees for their emphasis on external rituals while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:23 , He rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Conclusion The Bible consistently teaches that while ordinances are important expressions of faith and obedience, they are insufficient for salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of human works or religious rituals. Believers are called to participate in ordinances as acts of worship and remembrance, but their hope and trust for eternal life rest solely in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 1:10-17Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah. Nave's Topical Index Galatians 5:6 Galatians 6:15 Ephesians 2:15 Colossians 2:14,20-23 Hebrews 9:1,8-10 Library section second. The Seventh Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Doctrine The Iranian Conquest Resources What happened in the upper room? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Landmarkism? What is “Baptist Bride” theology? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? | GotQuestions.org Ordinance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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