Friday, August 04, 2006

Lord's Day Twenty-Eight

Question 75-77

We have assurance that as certainly as we are physically seeing and being nourished by the elements, so we are spiritually participating in all the benefits purchased by Christ in His death for us.

[T]he design of the ordinance is, (1.) To commemorate the death of Christ. (2.) To represent, to effect, and to avow our participation in the body and blood of Christ. (3.) To represent, effect, and avow the union of believers with Christ and with each other. And (4.) To signify and seal our acceptance of the new covenant as ratified by the blood of Christ.
Hodge, Systematic Theology

In commemorating the death of Christ, we give testimony to the historical reality of His death as well as proclaiming our belief in that reality. 1 Corinthians 11:26 ...you do show (proclaim) the Lord's death till he come.


In order for this to occur, there must be at least a basic understanding of the substance of our faith – the significance of the death of Christ and its application to us.

In order for proclamation to occur, it must be public. In order to represent the union of believers with one another, it must be public. It is not only the elements that constitute the sign of a spiritual reality, the actions that are taken with them are part of the sign as well – the breaking of the bread, pouring out of the cup, distribution and eating of the elements.

From the Westminster Larger Catechism:

Q170: How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?

A170: As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord's supper,[1] and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward senses;[2] so they that worthily communicate in the sacrament of the Lord's supper, do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a spiritual manner; yet truly and really,[3] while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death.[4]

1. Acts 3:21
2. Matt. 26:26, 28
3. I Cor. 11:24-29
4. I Cor. 10:16

Q171: How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?

A171: They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves [1] of their being in Christ,[2] of their sins and wants;[3] of the truth and measure of their knowledge,[4] faith,[5] repentance;[6] love to God and the brethren,[7] charity to all men,[8] forgiving those that have done them wrong;[9] of their desires after Christ,[10] and of their new obedience;[11] and by renewing the exercise of these graces,[12] by serious meditation,[13] and fervent prayer.[14]

1. I Cor. 11:28
2. II Cor. 13:5
3. I Cor. 5:7; Exod. 12:15
4. I Cor. 11:29
5. I Cor. 13:5; Matt. 26:28
6. Zech. 12:10; I Cor. 11:31
7. I Cor. 10:16-17; Acts 2:46-47
8. I Cor. 5:8; 11:18, 20
9. Matt. 5:23-24
10. Isa .55:1; John 7:37
11. I Cor. 5:7-8
12. I Cor. 11:25-26, 28; Heb. 10:21-22, 24; Psa. 26:6
13. I Cor. 11:24-25
14. II Chr. 30:18-19; Matt. 26:26

Q174: What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper in the time of the administration of it?

A174: It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance,[1] diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions,[2] heedfully discern the Lord's body,[3] and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings,[4] and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces;[5] in judging themselves,[6] and sorrowing for sin;[7] in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ,[8] feeding on him by faith,[9] receiving of his fullness,[10] trusting in his merits,[11] rejoicing in his love,[12] giving thanks for his grace;[13] in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints.[14]

1. Lev. 10:3; Heb. 12:18; Psa. 5:7; I Cor. 11:17, 26-27
2. Exod. 24:8; Matt. 26:28
3. I Cor. 11:29
4. Luke 22:19
5. I Cor. 10:3-5, 11, 14; 11:26
6. I Cor. 11:31
7. Zech. 12:10
8. Rev. 22:17
9. John 6:35
10. John 1:16
11. Phil. 1:16
12. Psa. 63:4-5; II Chr. 30:21
13. Psa. 22:26
14. Jer. 1:5; Psa. 1:5
15. Acts 2:42

Q175: What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's supper?

A175: The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success;[1] if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it,[2] beg the continuance of it,[3] watch against relapses,[4] fulfill their vows,[5] and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance:[6] but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament;[7] in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time:[8] but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled,[9] and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.[10]

1. Psa. 28:7, 85:8; I Cor. 11:17, 30-31
2. II Chr. 30:21-16; Acts 2:42, 46
3. Psa. 36:10; Song of Sol. 3:4; I Chr. 29:18
4. I Cor. 10:3-5, 12
5. Psa. 1:14
6. I Cor. 11:25-26; Acts 2:42, 46
7. Song of Sol. 5:1-6; Eccl. 5:1-6
8. Psa. 42:5, 8; 43:3-5; 123:1-2
9. II Chr. 30:18-19; Isa. 1:16, 18
10. II Cor. 7:11; I Chr. 15:12-14

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