The Theology and Basics of Baptism & Communion

What is Baptism?   

o Method: Infant or believer? 

o Mode: Sprinkling, pouring, Immersion?  

o An action or the results? Dying or tinging   

Paul connects the signs circumcision and baptism. Colossians 2:11-12 

Circumcision did not produce salvation. Romans 4:9-12 

Circumcision and baptism are signs representing membership in a community of truth. Romans 3:1-2 

Baptism is spiritual warfare! 1 Peter 3:18-22 

Baptism is a pledge of allegiance to King Jesus and Kingdom of God.  

What is Communion?

Our understanding communion should be framed by the last supper. 

 The last supper was a Passover meal. Luke 22:7-23  

Communion celebrates the New Covenant told of by Jeremiah and initiated through Jesus’ blood.  

Paul’s theology of communion revolves around fellowship and remembrance. 1 Corinthians 8-11  

CONTEXT IS KEY!!!!  

• 1 Corinthians chapters 8-11 are one unit. Understanding the context will help us understand communion and what it means for the church.   

Recap:

• 1 Corinthians 8 and 11:17-34 connect the importance unity in relationships when taking communion. 

• 1 Corinthians 9 and 11:17-34 connect communion to the fellowship meal of the priesthood in the OT. The church (all believers) is the new priesthood and communion is our fellowship meal. 

• 1 Corinthians 10 and 11:17-34 connect the concept of fellowship in this ritual and how we actually connect with God during communion. 

• 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 11:17-34 connect the necessity for equality within the Church and the importance of meeting needs in the body. We come to the table as equals.   

Communion is: 

• To Remember: The purpose of the Lord’s supper is the “remember the Lord’s death until he comes” and proclaim his death (and resurrection) to onlookers.  

• To Fellowship: Don’t turn it into a spectacle or an occasion where fellow believers are humiliated or dis-fellowshipped by something we do in our local bodies. Use the opportunity to meet needs.

*Shout out to The Naked Bible Podcast and Dr. Michael Heiser. Check out his episodes on Communion and Baptism for more on this. much of our material is a summary of his teachings on these topics.