THE SPIRITUAL REALITY THUS SYMBOLIZED MUST BE VERY GREAT
The addition
of this fourth rule narrows down one step more the number of forms which
may be properly called ordinances. Each of the above limits the number of forms
that may be received as ordinances. And even though many may symbolize
spiritual truth, if the truths must be great, then the number is greatly
reduced. This limitation of number is not intended to impoverish the believer,
but to safeguard him from the multiplicity of forms.
A
multiplicity of forms might very easily lead to the loss of the truth due to
human exhaustion in the performance of the many rites.
lb. The law of conservation is employed by Christ in establishing ordinances.
With a minimum of words Christ could tell a story, and yet never sacrifice fullness. Luke 15:11-32; He could do the same in denouncing the wicked (Matt. 23). The Sermon on the Mount is another proof. Likewise He drew the prophetic picture of the age (Matt. 24-25). He used the same principle in establishing ordinances for the church. He did not crush believers with extensive detail, nor did he sacrifice fullness within limits.
2b. The law of magnitude goes right along with the law of conservation. In reducing the number of ordinances, He was careful to provide for every great spiritual reality in the experience of the believer. Four forms symbolize the entire scope of truth relating to salvation.
Baptism in some sense covers the entire scope of the believer's experience, laying emphasis upon the initial crisis of regeneration and the relation to the trinity. REGENERATION
Feetwashing covers the entire scope of the believer's present life, and symbolizes the experience of progressive sanctification by the Word of God. SANCTIFICATION
Lord's Supper or the love feast points to the future of the believer beyond this life, symbolizing glorification and reunion of the saints with one another and with Christ above. GLORIFICATION
Eucharist points to the foundation for all that precedes. It symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Christ by which justification was effected for every believer. JUSTIFICATION
3b. The law of adequacy is also employed in this all-important provision.
By means of these ordinances, all the great truths of the Christian life are symbolized.
The Christian life has a foundation, a commencement, a continuation, and a consummation. These ordinances cover it.
Foundation - Eucharist, symbolizing justification
Commencement - Baptism, symbolizing regeneration
Continuation - Feetwashing, symbolizing sanctification
Consummation - Lord's Supper, symbolizing glorification
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