Sacraments & Ordinances

Reformed Baptists use the term "ordinances" rather than "sacraments" to denote the two practices instituted by Christ: believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper. These are not means of grace conveying salvation ex opere operato (by the work itself) but are signs and seals of grace already received through faith. Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water as a public profession of faith in Christ and membership in the local church. It is limited to those who have made a credible profession of faith in Christ — infants are not eligible.

Baptism by immersion is essential to Baptist identity and is derived from the meaning of the Greek word baptizo (to immerse) and the practice exemplified in Scripture. The immersion signifies death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. Baptism does not regenerate or save but visualizes the believer's union with Christ's death and resurrection. Many Reformed Baptist congregations practice closed or strict communion, restricting the Lord's Supper to baptized believers in good standing.

The Lord's Supper commemorates Christ's death and sustains faith in the believer. Reformed Baptists debate whether the Supper involves merely memorial eating (Zwinglian view) or spiritual presence (Calvin's view), but all affirm that bread and wine do not become the physical body and blood of Christ. The Supper strengthens assurance and binds believers to Christ and one another. Frequency varies by congregation; some observe weekly, others monthly or quarterly.