Church Matters: the Ordinances

It has been said that baptism and the Lord's Supper make the gospel visible. That's true. These ordinances portray Christ's saving work, allowing everyone to see what Christ has done-he died and rose again. And yet, baptism and the Lord's Supper also make the church visible. That is, the ordinances allow everyone to see who Christ has saved from their sins-those who repent of their sin and trust in Christ. What does all this mean? Well, for one it means that the ordinances are about more than you and Jesus. They're about you and Jesus and Jesus's people. This issue of Church Matters will explore the corporate implications of baptism and the Lord's Supper. By rightly understanding and practicing the ordinances in the context of the church, churches grow not only in their love for Christ but also in their love for one another.