The Theology and Basics of Baptism & Communion

What is Baptism?   


o Method: Infant or believer? 


o Mode: Sprinkling, pouring, Immersion?  


o An action or the results? Dying or tinging   


Paul connects the signs circumcision and baptism. Colossians
2:11-12 


Circumcision did not produce salvation. Romans 4:9-12 


Circumcision and baptism are signs representing membership in a
community of truth. Romans 3:1-2 


Baptism is spiritual warfare! 1 Peter 3:18-22 


Baptism is a pledge of allegiance to King Jesus and Kingdom of
God.  


What is Communion?


Our understanding communion should be framed by the last
supper. 


 The last supper was a Passover meal. Luke 22:7-23  


Communion celebrates the New Covenant told of by Jeremiah and
initiated through Jesus’ blood.  


Paul’s theology of communion revolves around fellowship and
remembrance. 1 Corinthians 8-11  


CONTEXT IS KEY!!!!  


• 1 Corinthians chapters 8-11 are one unit. Understanding the
context will help us understand communion and what it means for
the church.   


Recap:


• 1 Corinthians 8 and 11:17-34 connect the importance unity in
relationships when taking communion. 


• 1 Corinthians 9 and 11:17-34 connect communion to the
fellowship meal of the priesthood in the OT. The church (all
believers) is the new priesthood and communion is our fellowship
meal. 


• 1 Corinthians 10 and 11:17-34 connect the concept of fellowship
in this ritual and how we actually connect with God during
communion. 


• 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 11:17-34 connect the necessity for
equality within the Church and the importance of meeting needs in
the body. We come to the table as equals.   


Communion is: 


• To Remember: The purpose of the Lord’s supper is the “remember
the Lord’s death until he comes” and proclaim his death (and
resurrection) to onlookers.  


• To Fellowship: Don’t turn it into a spectacle or an occasion
where fellow believers are humiliated or dis-fellowshipped by
something we do in our local bodies. Use the opportunity to meet
needs.





*Shout out to The Naked Bible Podcast and Dr. Michael Heiser.
Check out his episodes on Communion and Baptism for more on this.
much of our material is a summary of his teachings on these
topics.