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Denominational teachings |
Anordinance is a term used by certain Christian denominations for areligious ritual that was instituted by Jesus for Christians to observe.[1]
Examples of ordinances includebaptism and theLord's Supper, both of which are practiced in denominations including theAnabaptist,Baptist,Churches of Christ, andPentecostal denominations.[2][3] Some churches, including those of the Anabaptists, includeheadcovering andfootwashing as ordinances.[4][5][6]
The number of ordinances depends on the Christian denomination, withMennonite Anabaptists counting seven ordinances,[7] while some Baptists may name two or three.[8]
Christian traditions, includingAnabaptists (such asMennonites andSchwarzenau Brethren),Baptists,Churches of Christ,Christian Churches/Churches of Christ,Disciples of Christ, refer to "ordinances", rather than "sacraments".[9][8][10] While a sacrament is seen as a means of grace from God, an ordinance is a practice that rather demonstrates the participants' faith.Roman Catholics,Eastern Orthodox, and many historicProtestant traditions (Lutherans,Anglicans,Methodists,Moravians,Continental Reformed,Presbyterians andCongregationalists) prefer the use of the term "sacrament".[1]
For Anabaptists, "ordinances brought one into conformity with the truth of Jesus Christ, whoselife,crucifixion, death, andresurrection had so fundamentally altered all of humanity and creation that human beings were now capable of works of loving obedience that revealed the indwelling presence of God in Christ in all people."[11]
Seven ordinances have been taught in manyConservative Mennonite churches, which include "baptism, communion, footwashing, marriage, anointing with oil, the holy kiss, and the prayer covering."[7]
TheDunkard Brethren Church, aConservative Anabaptist denomination in theSchwarzenau Brethren tradition, includesbaptism,feetwashing,communion, theholy kiss,headcovering, andanointing of the sick among the ordinances of the Church. Feetwashing, communion and the holy kiss occur during thelovefeast.[12]
Some Baptists teachtwo ordinances,baptism and the Lord's Supper, as established explicitly by Jesus Christ, while other sacraments include additional ordinances instituted by theChurch Fathers in the New Testament, such as "the laying on of hands" oranointing of the sick, as expressed in theStandard Confession (1660).[8][13]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) uses the term "ordinance", however the underlying belief is sacramental.[1][2] Rituals such as baptism, confirmation, initiatory (Chrismation)[see: washing and anointing], ordination, endowment (formal vows and reception of sacred vestments)[3] and marriage are referred to as "saving ordinances"[4], as they are considered transformative and necessary for salvation and exaltation. Similar to Catholic sacraments, Mormon ordinances are only considered valid if performed by ordained clergy with apostolic succession reaching back to Jesus through Peter.[5][6][7][8]
TheCalvary Holiness Association, aHoliness Pentecostal denomination, affirms the ordinances ofbaptism, theLord's Supper, and thewashing of the Saint's feet.[14]
Certain Pentecostal denominations, such as the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church and theChristian Congregation, among others, observe the ordinance ofwomen's headcovering in obedience to1 Corinthians 11:4–13.[15]
The term "ordinance" emphasizes the aspect of institution by Christ and the symbolic meaning.
John Calvin and most other Protestant leaders rejected the Roman Catholic sacramental system but retained its vocabulary, applying the term "sacrament" only to ordinances instituted by God himself (cf. Westminster Confession of Faith 27; Belgic Confession 33). ... Unlike Baptists and Anabaptists, who tend to speak of baptism only as an "ordinance," Calvinists have characteristically spoken of baptism not only as an ordinance but also as a sacrament or a mystery, a rite through which God applies grace.
Christians agree universally that baptism and the Lord's Supper were instituted by Christ and should be observed as "ordinances" or "sacraments" by His followers.
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