Baptism and communion and systematic theology So in the realm of systematic theology these two topics

come up often baptism and communion They both hold a big importance theologically spiritually symbolically within the Christian

faith So in this lesson we will explore these concepts back them up by relative relevant

Bible verses and discuss them in a little bit more detail So you can fully grasp and

understand what they do what they are So start with baptism what is baptism It is a sacred act

that represents an individual's initiation into the Christian community OK Do you need baptism to

go to heaven No but this is what it symbolizes purification rebirth and the forgiveness of

sins So through baptism believers publicly declare their faith in Christ and their commitment to follow him So the

Bible provides several instances where baptism is mentioned and it really shows us the significance and importance of it

as we see it out through scripture So the first verse is Matthew 2819 Therefore go

and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son

and the Holy Spirit So another verse that really highlights the symbolism we see with baptism is

in Romans 64 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death In order that just

as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father we too may live a new

life So we see these verses what are they telling us about baptism among other things They're really

emphasizing the transformative nature We find with baptism its connection to the life the death

and the resurrection of Christ Now keep baptism fresh in your mind as we go into communion these two

sort of work hand in hand So communion is also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist OK What

is communion is another timeless sacrament You see in Christianity it commemorates the sacrificial death of Christ and the

establishment of the new covenant that is formed between God and humanity What is that

new covenant formed through Christ through Christ's blood on the cross giving us salvation So

through the sharing of bread and wine which can also be grape juice We remember and participate

in this redemptive work of Christ This is how we become a part of it

in our participation the institution of the Lord's Supper we see described in First Corinthians 1123 to 26 It's a

good description for I received from the Lord What I also passed on to you the Lord Jesus on

the night he was betrayed What did he do He took bread When he had given

thanks he broke it and said this is my body which is for you do this in remembrance

of me So in the same way after that supper he took the cup saying this cup is the

new covenant in my blood Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me For whenever you eat this

bread and drink this cup what are you doing You are proclaiming the Lord's death

until he comes So this passage OK What is it telling us It's really emphasizing the sacrificial

nature we see of Jesus body and blood and that ongoing remembrance and proclamation of his redemptive work

through the act of communion We are able to proclaim this and celebrate this So both

baptism and communion they hold significant importance in the life of a believer of every believer

These practices really symbolize the deep connection with Christ that we have with Christ and our participation in

his death and in his resurrection show this continuing remembrance of that sacrificial love That's

how this all ties together So through baptism believers can publicly declare that faith and become united with

Christ symbolizing the spiritual rebirth and the new life They find in him this act of immersion is

really is representing a believer's identification with that death with Christ's death on the cross and burial

as well as the anticipation of eternal life in the second coming So in addition to

baptism communion also again known as the Lord's Supper is another reminder of that sacrifice cross made

on the cross That's the important part to understand here through the partaking in the bread and

the wine Believers remember and commemorate Jesus body and blood which was offered for the forgiveness

of all of our sins So communion it's a powerful way for believers to express

that gratitude for Christ's love and to reaffirm their commitment to him So this serves as a regular reminder

of two things of God's grace and God's mercy as well as a time of reflection And it

should be a renewal of faith which we all need to do consistently So both baptism

and communion they are essential practices that enable believers to express their faith really embrace that identity as followers

of Christ and partake in this spiritual nourishment that is provided by God So the

acts show really signify obedience not only fostering that deep sense of belonging with the Christian community

but also really serving as a powerful spiritual marker in an individual's journey of faith baptism and communion Both stand

very powerful symbols of that unwavering devotion to Christ and a desire to live in accordance with

his teachings Both of these provide opportunities for believers for us to reflect and think about that faith reflect

on our faith the communion with God and really strengthen our relationship with Him and with fellow believers