Two ordinances: water baptism and communion; symbolic, not means of grace
The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel practices two ordinances: water baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper (communion). These are understood as ordinances (symbols and signs) rather than sacraments (efficacious means of grace). They are important expressions of faith and obedience but do not convey saving grace by virtue of the act itself — rather, they symbolize grace received through faith.
Water baptism is administered to believing adults who have confessed faith in Christ, symbolizing the death and resurrection of the believer with Christ and incorporation into the Church. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's sacrificial death, celebrated in remembrance and in communion with the body of Christ. Both ordinances are significant and meaningful but are understood as signs pointing to spiritual realities rather than as themselves conveying grace.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances — not sacraments
- Sacrament count:
- two: water baptism and Lord's Supper (no foot washing ordinance)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion of believers only
- Baptism recipients:
- believing adults; believer's baptism only; no infant baptism
- Eucharist presence:
- memorial — symbolic remembrance of Christ's sacrifice; no transubstantiation
Scripture References
Sources
- International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Declaration of Faith
- Foursquare Church official teaching on baptism and communion