Two Ordinances (Believer's Baptism & Lord's Supper)

The first thing that should be said about these two ordinances is that neither is a requirement for salvation. The only requirement for salvation is accepting the free gift of grace by truly believing in Jesus Christ. It is one thing to believe that Jesus was a man who lived, preached, and was crucified on the cross. It is a totally different thing to believe he was God in the flesh, came down to atone for the world's sins, was raised again the third day, and then give your life totally to Him.

Baptists see the Lord's Supper and Believer's Baptism as ordinances, not Sacraments. Sacrament is defined as "a rite in which God is uniquely active." This meaning that the performance of this rite bestows something from God upon the individual. Baptists, in general, as well as most Protestants, do not believe in Sacraments, but rather follow only these two ordinances. Ordinance being something that was ordained by Jesus Christ, as evidenced in the Bible.

That being said, Believer's Baptism is just that, the full immersion baptism AFTER one has been saved. It is merely a public display of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. The baptism symbolizes Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. For anyone who thinks that baptism is a requirement for salvation, please recall the thief on the cross in Luke 23:

42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

He was not baptized, yet Jesus told him "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". It was faith that saved him.

The Lord's Supper account is found in the three synoptic Gospels: Matthew 26, Mark 14, & Luke 22. Baptists typically use 1 Corinthians 11:23~32 for the basis for the Lord's Supper. Again, it is for Believer's only, and one should examine themselves prior to participating to make sure they are right with God, and worthy to partake:

1 Cor. 11

27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

I don't believe this is saying that someone who is saved will be damned for participating if they aren't right in their walk with the Lord, but rather that one who participates, knowing they are not truly saved, blasphemes the Lord to their damnation.

As mentioned, this act does not save us, it is merely us following the ordinance given to us from Jesus:

1 Cor. 11

24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Basically, were are honoring Jesus, as he commanded, and professing our faith and belief in his atoning death, and the promise of resurrection, which was first evidenced through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.