Understanding The Ordinances - Part 1 - Baptism

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ... And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes,
they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42, 46-47

 

"If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples." 
- Jesus Christ (John 8:31)

 

There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts 
forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. 
Hebrews 7:23-25 NLT

 

There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5

 

You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:5

 

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
Matthew 26:26-28

 

1. The Essence of Baptism

 

Baptism is the church's act of affirming a believer's profession of faith in Christ with the symbolic application of water.

 

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.
Romans 6:3-4

 

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