The Sacraments
What are Sacraments?
Sacraments are more then just symbols of our faith executed by ritual. They are outward physical signs of a deeply abiding spiritual, transformative, and inward grace. One of the best explanations comes from the French Reformer John Calvin who said:
"It seems to me that a simple and proper definition would be to say that it is: An outward sign by which the Lord seals on our consciences the promises of his good will toward us in order to sustain the weakness of our faith; and we in turn attest our piety toward him in the presence of the Lord and of his angels and before men." If that sounds a little complicated, he also put it this way: " One may call it a testimony of divine grace toward us, confirmed by an outward sign, with mutual attestation of our piety toward him."
We here at Grace Christian Church acknowledge two sacraments ordained by Christ for his church: Holy Communion and Baptism.
Baptism
Baptism, in water, in the name of the Holy Trinity is how we are received into the Covenant Community we call the church. It is the ritual that signifies our birth in faith and cleansing by the power of God. Baptism is the seal of the nurturing, sustaining, and transforming power of God’s love and our grateful response to that grace. At baptism, we believe the Holy Spirit is imparted and is the first step in the Christian life mandated by Jesus (Acts 2:38).
During the ceremony, which takes place as part of a regular worship service, everyone in the congregation pledges to support the Baptismal candidate as they enter their Christian walk. Baptism is not a requirement for God's love, but it is a requirement to be a member of the church. (Matthew 28:19-20)
The sacrament of Baptism is open to anyone who desires it. Usually, before being baptized, the pastor and the church elders meet with the baptismal candidate to discuss the importance and responsibilities of baptism.
Holy Communion
In the communion meal, wine is poured out and bread is broken as we remember Jesus. We remember not only his promises but also the price that Jesus paid for who he was, for what he did and said, and for the world’s brokenness. We taste the mystery of God’s great love for us and are renewed in faith and hope. The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, Eucharist, these different terms refer to the same sacrament shared by most Christians, denominational and nondenominational alike!
Communion is celebrated at a table which suggests a dining table from our common homes. At the Communion Table (we do not have altars, as these are Old Covenant devices), we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the host and all others, including the pastor and other elders, are guests. The meal uses the elements of bread and a taste of wine or juice to remind us of Jesus’ Last Supper with his followers, and his enduring love for them. Each time we take Communion we know that Jesus, abides with us spiritually and we are nourished by him in spirit and truth (1 Corinthians 11: 23-34).
Grace Christian Church practices an open table, inviting all who seek to know Jesus to share in this holy meal. We invite you to the table if you are baptized or not, remembering that Jesus even served Judas (Luke 22:17-23). To this end, there are no restrictions as to who may participate in this sacrament. Come as you are, Jesus is waiting. But, with this said, do not partake of this meal lightly. We must examine our hearts for God holds us accountable when we abuse or misuse this holy meal (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).