Does it really matter in what order things are done? How would you like to be the patient of the dentist mentioned in the headline above?

Take the Lord’s Supper for instance. When Jesus instituted the Supper with His apostles, He first took the bread and then the fruit of the vine (cfm. Matthew 26:26-29). Is it important to observe the order or can we take the fruit of the vine first and then the bread? When Paul was correcting the error of the Corinthian church regarding the Lord’s Supper, he reminded them of what he had “received from the Lord” and “delivered” to them. He then repeats this same order and says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

When the nation of Israel was taking the Promised Land it first came to Jericho. God instructed Moses to have the people march around the city one time for six days, then 7 times on the seventh day. If they did this, He promised to deliver the city into their hands. Was it important for them to do as God instructed, or could they just have gone around the city thirteen times on the first day? Does order matter?

Hebrews 11:30 says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” By faith. Does order matter or is it only faith that matters?

Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” How did the people of Israel demonstrate their faith so that the walls fell? By encircling the city just as God said. Their faith came by listening to and then doing what God said. Do you believe the walls would have fallen if they had not followed God’s order? Do you believe they would have acted “by faith” if they had done it any other way?

Paul told his apprentice Timothy to “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13). That word pattern is just like the pattern a woman uses when making a dress. It is just like a blueprint used by a builder. The only way to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” is to follow them exactly. Notice that Paul said for Timothy to do this “in faith.”

Does order matter? Think about this. Jesus told His apostles to preach the gospel to all and “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16). Notice the order: believe, be baptized, then you are saved. In Acts 2:38 Peter told those he preached to that they were to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38). Note the order. Repent, be baptized and then you receive remission of sins. In Acts 22:16 Paul was told, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Many preachers today tell us that all that a person must do is have faith (belief) and he will be saved. Often it is put this way. Just accept Jesus into your heart and you will be saved. Then, after you have accepted Jesus you should be baptized. The Chairman of the Doctrinal Purity Commission of a major denomination put it to me this way in an email, “Scripture teaches that salvation is by faith alone in the efficacy of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, we believe water baptism is a command of Jesus and should be obeyed as soon as conveniently possible.” Does that sound like the order we read from the words of Jesus and His apostles, Peter and Paul?

Let’s compare the order in this chart.

Because so many preachers teach the second order from the chart, more than likely that is what you were taught and obeyed. Can you truly say that you obeyed God “by faith” if you followed the order for salvation that is so commonly taught today? Leave the doctrines of men and follow the doctrine of Christ. Order does matter.

Just as the walls of Jericho would not have fallen without Israel’s acting “by faith” and following the order given by God, salvation is secured only when we come to Him “by faith” and obey Him, “holding fast the pattern of sound words.” We don’t accidentally follow God’s order. Faith isn’t blind or accidental. It is based on hearing the word of God and acting accordingly.