By Minister Sonnie Robinson (March 2025)

Have you ever stopped to think about how something as simple as baptism or the Lord’s Supper could actually change a person? I mean, on the surface, they might just seem like traditions—things churches do because, well, that’s just what churches do. But the truth is, they’re so much more.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper aren’t just rituals; they’re powerful, tangible expressions of deep spiritual realities. They shape us, unite us with Jesus and each other, and in ways we might not even fully understand—they transform us. Let’s talk about how.

Seeing the Word Come to Life

The Bible is packed with truth, but let’s be honest—sometimes we need to see it, to experience it in a way that goes beyond just reading words on a page. That’s what the ordinances do.

When we gather as a church, everything—our singing, praying, preaching—is centered on God’s Word. But Baptism and the Lord’s Supper? They take it a step further. They bring the gospel into a form we can touch, taste, and witness with our own eyes.

Jesus commanded us to practice them (Matthew 28:18–20; Luke 22:14–20), not just as reminders but as ways to shape and strengthen us. They’re not just things we do—they’re tools God uses to make us more like Him.

A Deeper Connection with Jesus and Each Other

One of the most beautiful things about these ordinances is how they connect us—not just to Jesus, but to each other.

Baptism is a statement—it’s saying to the world; I belong to Jesus. It’s a picture of dying to our old selves and rising to a brand-new life in Him (Romans 6:3–4). It’s a powerful, outward declaration of an inward transformation.

The Lord’s Supper is different, but just as meaningful. When we take the bread and the cup, we’re doing more than just remembering what Jesus did for us—we’re participating in it. We’re uniting as one body, one family, bound together by His sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16–17).

These aren’t just symbolic gestures. They’re moments where we step into the gospel story. Baptism marks the start of our journey with Christ, and the Lord’s Supper keeps us anchored in it. They remind us that we’re not alone, we’re part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

More Than a Ritual—They Actually Do Something

If you’ve ever wondered, Do these things actually matter?—the Bible’s answer is a resounding YES!

Look at what Peter says about baptism: “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” (1 Peter 3:21). Now, to be clear, Peter isn’t saying the water saves us. But he’s showing us that baptism is deeply connected to the transforming power of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s a turning point.

And the Lord’s Supper? Paul says it’s more than just eating bread and drinking wine—it’s actually participation in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16–17). It’s an intimate, sacred moment of communion with Him. That’s why Paul warns against taking it lightly (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). It’s not just a snack after church—it’s something deeply spiritual.

But here’s the thing: these ordinances don’t magically change us. Faith has to come first. Just like reading the Bible only impacts us when we actually believe what it says, baptism and the Lord’s Supper transform us when we come to them with faith in Jesus. They’re powerful, but only because of the One they point to.

Yes, They Change Us

Jesus didn’t give us these ordinances just to give us more things to do. He gave them to us because they matter. Because they shape us.

Baptism marks the beginning of our walk with Him. The Lord’s Supper keeps us connected, reminding us again and again of His love, His sacrifice, and His promise to come back for us.

So, do ordinances really change people? Absolutely. Not because the water, bread, or cup have any special power, but because they draw us deeper into the life-changing reality of Jesus.

And the more we walk in faith, the more we see—these aren’t just rituals. They’re reminders of who we are, whose we are, and the incredible love of the One who gave them to us.