The Doctrine of the Sacraments

I believe we observe two main Sacraments which are Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, apart

from the word sacrament, Ordinance is also a term that is widely used in reference to these two

institutions. The term ordinance implies obedience to Jesus’ command given to the disciples and

by extension the church. Many Baptists believe that such rites as: Baptism and Lord’s Supper

were ordained by Jesus and are thus extremely important for one’s declaration of faith on the part

of the believer and the congregation. According to our Faith and Order Commission of the

Jamaica Baptist Union, the sacrament is akin to the proclamation of the Gospel, in this way it

announces the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Christopher Ellis as quoted by the

commission posits that to this end a sacrament such as baptism and the Lord supper would in-

term be celebratory of God’s renewed partnership with humanity, which is indicative of

continued God’s presence with us. It also highlights God keeping his promise to save humanity,

while prophetical declaring God’s intent to bring all things underneath His control.

Therefore, as a Sacrament Holy Baptism was commanded by Jesus for His disciples to perform

in Matthew 28:19-20. It is authorized by God. Jesus Himself submitted to baptism, thus we must

follow His example. Through Baptism the believer is welcomed into the visible and invisible

church. Baptism is the visible sign of believers’ participation in death and burial (dying to old

way of life) and resurrection of Christ (new life in Christ). Baptism symbolizes the work of God

through the Holy Spirit in Washing away our sin (1 Cor. 6:11). Baptism is also a sign of God’s

reign in the believers’ new life and of God’s coming reign over the earth when the earth shall be

filled with the glory of God as the water covers the sea.
In like manner, the Lord’s Supper is commanded to be observe it (Luke 22:19–20). The Apostle

Paul showed the early church observing this Sacrament in (1 Corinthians 11:23–25). The Lord’s

supper is the visible sign of fellowship and God’s invisible sign of Him continuously sustaining

and nourishing of the church, His body. It is a portrayal of the participation in the life of Christ,

representing our reconciliation to God and each other as we partake of the one loaf and the

healing and renewal of the believers’ body from the effects of sin. The Lord’s Supper is a

tangible sign and seal of what God in Christ Jesus has accomplished for us.

The Climax of History

I believe that the created order is moving towards its final consummation, where at the second

coming of Jesus, God will judge both the living and the dead. This earth will be renewed,

believers who died in Christ will be raised from the dead, while those who are living will be

changed, each person will give an account for his/her stewardship on earth, the wicked will be

condemned to a second death while the righteous will be rewarded with eternal life.

Although the imagery presented in the bible is unclear and unspecific about how, when and

where with regard to the climax of history; we understand from scripture that God has a

culminating plan. John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15 and many other New Testament texts are replete

with anecdotes, that indicate life after death. This assurance is widely termed by contemporary

theologians as, ‘the Christian Hope’. It is a hope that is built on Faith in Christ’s work and

promise; it is also reaffirmed in the Mount Olivet encounter, which prophetically declares

Christ’s Return.
In conclusion, as God previously choose the Jews as a called-out people, who would prepare the

way for the Messiah (Jesus Christ), as scripture posits that “at the appointed time God sent His

Son” (Galatians 4:4-5). It is similarly in the same way, that God has chosen the church in these

Last days to carry His mandate, until the appointed time, when Christ himself will return for His

own.