Nuanced
Baptism by immersion for remission of sins; weekly Lord's Supper
The ICOC practices believer's baptism by immersion as the moment of receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Baptism is not understood as a mere symbol but as the divinely appointed occasion of conversion — an act of faith and obedience through which God grants salvation. The ICOC is willing to rebaptize people who were previously baptized without this apostolic understanding.
The Lord's Supper is observed every Sunday, consistent with the pattern in Acts 20:7. It is a memorial of Christ's death and is approached with seriousness and reverence. Both ordinances are central to ICOC identity and community life.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances
- Sacrament count:
- two (Baptism and Lord's Supper)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion only — salvific requirement
- Baptism recipients:
- believers only (disciples)
- Eucharist presence:
- symbolic memorial; weekly
Scripture References
Sources
- ICOC Statement of Belief
- Gordon Ferguson, Prepared to Answer (1995)