The Lord’s Supper: Its Basis as a Sacrament

Posted by on Aug 12, 2008 in Rev. Serven

Koinonia. The Lord ministers to weariness and fear through communion with Him. The worldliness of the culture weighs us down. Flee idolatry. Don’t think you can be strong enough. Pursue righteousness and peace. Explanation why we do not believe in transubstantiation, and at the other extreme, a strict remembrance. We are to look forward to the consummation of Koinonia at the marriage supper of the Lamb. False worship is worshiping the demons. We are called to spiritual communion with the Living Lord.

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

How is the Lord’s Supper a “sacrament”? In Latin the word “sacramentum” refers to an “oath”, or a “solemn obligation”. It is therefore, “a sacred action, instituted by God, that employs a visible sign, or element, to confer on and seal to believers by grace the promise of the gospel for remission of sins and eternal life” (cf. Richard A. Mueller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms, 1985). In addition, the Westminster Shorter Catechism defines a “sacrament” with these helpful words,

Q. #92: What is a sacrament?

A.: A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Thus, when we receive the Lord’s Supper the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ is represented by the elements. this element was discussed in the sermon last Sunday. And so, we press on–Secondly, the promises and blessings of God are sealed in our hearts–taking on fresh meaning as we are urged to greater obedience to his commandments. Lastly, the benefits of the new covenant are applied to believers; such benefits as–assurance, courage, faith, love, and perseverance. Rejoice, then, that our Lord has given us sensible signs where we can be encouraged and strengthened. He has not left his people helpless. He loves us and continues to reassure us that we belong to him.
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2008/mp3/2008_8_3_the_lords_supper_its_instititution_by_christ.mp3[/podcast]

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