What is an ordinance? What is a sacrament? Is there a difference, or are these simply two synonymous words? On this subject, Wayne Grudem, in his Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, writes the following:

    Because the Roman Catholic Church calls these two ceremonies [i.e.: the Lord’s Supper and

    baptism] “sacraments,” and because the Catholic Church teaches that these sacraments in

    themselves actually convey grace to people (without requiring faith from the persons participating

    in them), some Protestants (especially Baptists) have refused to refer to baptism and the Lord’s

    Supper as “sacraments.” They have preferred the word ordinances instead. This is thought to be

    an appropriate term because baptism and the Lord’s Supper were “ordained” by Christ.

As a result, if we know what we are speaking and writing about, it doesn’t make a difference which word we use, as long as there is an understanding of the true significance of each of these New Testament injunctions.

What is the Baptist’s definition? The answer to question ninety-two of the Westminster Shorter Catechism has this to say in response: “A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.” In regards to their number, the very next statement avers, “The sacraments of the New Testament are, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.”

In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Paul commands the proper use of the sacraments. The remembrance of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is most certainly one of the marks of a true church. This issue of The Gospel Witness investigates how a number of historical believers have interpreted and applied the biblical commands to observe these ordinances. As then, it is still vitally important now to ensure that our worship is based on the Scriptures. The study of the past—warts and all—is one of the most helpful and instructive enterprise we can   possibly undertake. May these insights into the past teach us and enlighten us about many great men’s struggles with applying the biblical commands which centre around the Lord’s Supper and baptism.