Baptism by immersion required for salvation; Lord's Supper with leavened bread
Iglesia ni Cristo practices two ordinances: baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion). Baptism is understood as essential for salvation and church membership. Only those baptized by INC into INC have access to salvation. The baptism must be preceded by doctrinal instruction and catechism to ensure understanding of INC teachings. Full immersion in water is practiced.
The Lord's Supper is observed with leavened bread and grape wine (or juice), and is understood as a memorial of Christ's death. The elements are not understood as the literal body and blood of Christ (thus rejecting transubstantiation and consubstantiation) but as symbols. The Supper is a sacred ordinance restricted to INC members in good standing. These two ordinances are central to INC worship and practice and are strictly regulated by church authority to maintain doctrinal purity and ecclesiastical discipline.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances
- Sacrament count:
- two (baptism and Lord's Supper)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion — required for church membership and salvation
- Baptism recipients:
- adults who have completed doctrinal instruction
- Eucharist presence:
- symbolic memorial; represents Christ's body and blood
Scripture References
Sources
- INC Official Website
- INC Constitution and By-Laws