Baptism by immersion, Lord's Supper quarterly, and foot washing
Adventism observes believer's baptism by immersion as the rite of church membership; it is preceded by a period of instruction and is understood as a public declaration of faith and commitment, not a saving act in itself. The Lord's Supper is observed quarterly as a memorial, accompanied by the ordinance of humility — foot washing — which precedes communion as a preparation for the table and a reenactment of Jesus' act of servanthood in John 13.
Adventism uses unfermented grape juice and unleavened bread for communion, consistent with its health principles. The foot washing ordinance is distinctive among Protestant denominations and is actively practiced in Adventist churches worldwide. These ordinances are significant acts of covenant renewal but are not understood as sacramentally conveying grace.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances
- Sacrament count:
- three (Baptism, Lord's Supper, Foot Washing)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion by forward action
- Baptism recipients:
- believers only (age of accountability)
- Eucharist presence:
- symbolic memorial; quarterly celebration with foot washing
Scripture References
Sources
- Seventh-day Adventist Church, 28 Fundamental Beliefs, Beliefs 15 (Baptism) and 16 (The Lord's Supper)