Ordinances Christian Churches Commonly Observe
Galatians 4:2 ESV “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept
circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.”
"If, as the false teachers
in Galatia claimed, circumcision as a thing essential to salvation, as
indispensable to justification and acceptance with God, then the matter assumed
a different aspect; and then it became in fact a renouncing of Christ as
himself sufficient to save us. So with anything else. Rites and ceremonies in
religion may be in themselves well enough, if they are held to be matters
not essential; but the moment they are regarded as vital and essential,
that moment they begin to infringe on the doctrine of justification by faith
alone, and that moment they are to be rejected; and it is because of the danger
that this will be the case, that they are to be used sparingly in the Christian
church." Barnes Notes
Barnes’ quote is making a theological distinction, not rejecting all church practices. He’s warning that rites and ceremonies become dangerous only when treated as essential for salvation, because that undermines justification by faith alone.
So the question becomes: Which ordinances do Christian churches observe that are not essential for salvation, but are commanded or commended?
Here’s the clear answer.
Ordinances Christian Churches Commonly Observe
These are practices Christ gave the church that express faith but do not contribute to salvation. They are outward signs of inward grace — never conditions for receiving grace.
1️⃣ Baptism
A public sign of union with Christ
Symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection
An act of obedience, not a requirement for justification
A witness to the gospel, not a means of earning grace
Barnes would say: Baptism is good — but becomes dangerous if treated as saving.
2️⃣ The Lord’s Supper / Communion
A memorial of Christ’s death
A proclamation of the gospel
A means of spiritual nourishment, not salvation
A reminder of grace, not a ritual that earns grace
Barnes’ concern: If Communion becomes a sacrament that conveys saving merit, it infringes on justification by faith alone.
Other Rites Churches May Practice (Non‑essential, Non‑saving)
These vary by tradition, but all fall under Barnes’ category of “well enough if not treated as essential.”
3️⃣ Marriage ceremonies
A sacred covenant, but not a saving rite.
4️⃣ Ordination
A commissioning, not a sacrament of grace.
5️⃣ Dedication of children
A prayerful commitment, not baptismal regeneration.
6️⃣ Anointing with oil / prayer for the sick
A biblical practice, but not a saving ritual.
7️⃣ Foot washing (in some traditions)
A symbol of humility, not a requirement for salvation.
8️⃣ Liturgical seasons (Advent, Lent, etc.)
Helpful rhythms, but not commanded by Scripture.
Barnes’ Point in One Line
Rites are helpful when they point to Christ — harmful when they replace Christ.
The moment a ceremony becomes essential, saving, or meritorious, it becomes a yoke of slavery instead of a means of grace-filled remembrance.
Why This Matters for Galatians
Paul’s argument in Galatians 4–5 is identical:
The law is good when used lawfully
The law becomes slavery when used for justification
Circumcision is fine culturally
Circumcision becomes deadly when treated as essential
Barnes is simply applying Paul’s logic to church practice.
For further study, you may want to search for a list of ordinances recognized by major Christian traditions (Baptist, Reformed, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox) and show how each tradition handles the “essential vs. non‑essential” distinction.
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