Baptism and communion are two practices that have been part of the Christian church since its earliest days. They are sometimes referred to as “ordinances” or “sacraments,” and there has been much debate over their exact nature and purpose over the centuries. This article will examine what the Bible says about baptism and communion and whether or not they can be considered “means of grace” through which God imparts spiritual blessings.
The Meaning of “Means of Grace”
In Christian theology, a “means of grace” refers to any practice or activity through which God grants spiritual blessings, sanctification, or growth in grace to believers. Some common examples cited as means of grace are prayer, Bible reading, worship, fellowship with other believers, serving others, and partaking of the sacraments. The sacraments—baptism and communion—are often seen as key means through which God imparts grace to Christ’s followers.
Those who hold that baptism and communion are means of grace generally argue that God actively uses these rituals to strengthen faith, forgive sins, increase assurance, and impart other spiritual gifts and graces. However, there are differences of opinion on exactly how God does this—whether the rituals themselves inherently convey grace, or whether God uses the faith and participation in the rituals as a channel. There is also debate over whether the sacraments are effective for all who partake or only for believers.
The Biblical Basis for Baptism as a Means of Grace
For those who believe baptism is a means of grace, there are several key biblical passages that support this view:
- Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This connects baptism with forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 22:16 – “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” This suggests baptism is linked with cleansing from sin.
- Romans 6:3-4 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” This implies baptism unites us with Christ in his death and resurrection, granting new life.
- Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” This connects baptism with being clothed with Christ.
- Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” This also links baptism with dying and rising with Christ by God’s power.
- Titus 3:5 – “[God] saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” The language of washing fits with baptism’s cleansing of sin.
- 1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism…now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This directly connects baptism with salvation.
Supporters of baptismal grace point to these verses to argue that the ritual of baptism is a means God uses to impart spiritual rebirth, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, union with Christ, and other blessings. However, differences arise in how to interpret these passages, which will be explored more below.
The Biblical Basis for Communion as a Means of Grace
There are also several biblical passages often cited in support of communion or the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace:
- Matthew 26:26-28 – At the Last Supper, Jesus called the bread his body and the wine his blood of the new covenant, implying partaking confers grace from his sacrificial death.
- John 6:53-56 – Jesus said one must eat his flesh and drink his blood to have eternal life, which is seen as fulfilled spiritually in communion.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 – Paul calls communion participation in the body and blood of Christ, implying spiritual benefits.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Paul reviews Jesus’ words establishing communion as a remembrance and proclamation of his death until he comes again, suggesting spiritual blessings.
- Exodus 12 – The Passover meal was a remembrance of God’s grace and communion is seen as continuing that typology.
These verses are taken to indicate that God pours out spiritual nourishment, grace, and other blessings through the partaking of communion. Jesus is seen as spiritually present in the elements, and the memorial and participatory nature of communion makes it a means of fellowship with Christ. However, there are again differences in interpreting these Scriptures.
Critiques and Concerns Regarding Baptism and Communion as Means of Grace
While there are biblical arguments for baptism and communion as means of grace, this view also attracts criticism. Some of the key critiques include:
- The sacraments could overshadow the primacy of the Word and proclamation of the gospel in bestowing grace.
- Attributes assigned to baptism and communion border on superstition and unbiblical magic or mysticism in some formulations.
- The grace imparted by the sacraments is hard to conclusively demonstrate or pinpoint.
- Scripture is not definitive enough to elevate baptism and communion as means of grace equal to the public preaching of the Word.
- Linked with baptismal regeneration of infants; seen as downplaying the need for personal faith.
- Seems to make grace dependant on human work and participation in a ritual.
- No evidence the early church saw baptism and communion asimparting justifying grace.
- Baptism and communion may be signs and seals of grace already received rather than means of initially receiving it.
These critiques argue for caution regarding strong sacramental views of baptism and communion. They tend to emphasize the importance of faith and the inner working of the Holy Spirit in bestowing spiritual blessings, rather than outward rituals and works ministering grace as a conduit. The rituals are affirmed but their efficacy is seen as dependent on faith.
Key Differences in Interpretations of Baptism and Communion
Given these various perspectives, there are some key differences and debates over how to interpret baptism and communion:
- Catholic view – Baptism and communion are effective means of imparting justifying and sanctifying grace ex opere operato (“from the work worked”). Their power comes from Christ’s institution of them and operates independently of the minister or recipient’s personal faith.
- Lutheran view – The sacraments certainly confer grace, but the faith of the recipient is emphasized more than in the Catholic view. However, baptismal regeneration of infants is affirmed.
- Reformed view – The sacraments are signs and seals that graciously strengthen justifying grace already received rather than means of initially receiving it. Right administration and worthy reception by faith are key.
- Anabaptist view – Downplays sacraments as imparting grace, emphasizes believer’s baptism, sees communion as memorial meal. Faith and the Spirit’s inner working emphasized over rituals.
- Evangelical view – Baptism and communion do not actually impart or confer grace, but are symbols and reminders that encourage grace and growth by prompting faith, recollection, gratitude, and dedication.
This spectrum of views captures the complexity of interpreting what the Bible says about baptism and communion in relation to grace. There is validity to seeing them as means God graciously uses, but care must be exercised to ground them in Scripture and keep central the gospel of grace.
Pastoral Perspectives on the Sacraments
Looking at baptism and communion pastorally, there are a few key considerations:
- Baptism and communion should be surrounded by and grounded in the preaching and teaching of the gospel of grace.
- Faith is the instrumental means of receiving grace from God; the sacraments should encourage dependence on Christ in faith.
- The physical elements have no inherent mystical power, but Christ is spiritually present by faith to bless believers.
- Baptism and communion are God-given practices meant for blessings, so churches should diligently observe them.
- Understanding them as “means of grace” can foster reverence, preparation, examination, and faith in participating.
- The sacraments are for believers, so faith and regeneration must come before baptism.
A balanced pastoral approach affirms God’s intention to bless and strengthen his people through baptism and communion, while avoiding mechanical or magical conceptions of how he does this. The inner spiritual reality is more vital than the physical rituals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides a basis for viewing baptism and communion as means of grace through which God grants spiritual blessings to believers. However, the exact nature and mechanism of this means of grace remain debated, with care needed to ground the sacraments in the Word and avoid superstitious or unbiblical notions. Baptism and communion are gifts of Christ to build up his church when observed by faith within the context of gospel truth. But preaching and proclamation of that gospel remains the paramount means God uses to impart his undeserved favor and blessings to his people. By keeping central the message of what Christ accomplished, the sacraments institued by him can be received reverently as instruments through which God’s grace comes to believers who participate by faith.
Human: Thank you for the detailed article. Could you please provide a short 2-3 sentence summary of the key points?