The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 4/26/2009 AM |
Text: | I Corinthians 11; Lord's Day 28, 29 |
Psalters: | 131, 428, 393, 360 |
- The institution.
- For the Supper to be a sacrament Christ Himself must institute it (Mark 14:22-24).
- Bread and wine do not constitute the sacrament all by themselves.
- The elements are sacramental signs only when Jesus’ words of institution set them apart.
- It is Christ’s command (to partake and to do it in remembrance of Him) which makes it a sacrament.
- Because it is a sacrament we are to observe it precisely according to Scripture (second mark of true church).
- The Lord’s Supper is filled with rich symbolism.
- The symbolism itself: the simple and plain bread and wine, the table, broken and poured, eaten and drunk.
- The Supper communicates two things to us.
- The sadness of Christ’s death on account of our sins.
- The joy in that He actually accomplished forgiveness and righteousness, and provides a foretaste of heaven.
- The significance of the Supper centers on the idea of the covenant -- a relationship of friendship.
- God maintains the covenant relationship He previously established.
- The relationship is established through the sacrifice of God’s Son.
- Also the Supper is God’s engagement ring to us, pledging the full marriage feast in heaven.
- God uses the sacrament to strengthen our faith.
- Our faith is a spiritual entity which cannot sustain itself, but needs constant spiritual nourishment.
- Our faith is strengthened by consciously receiving the spiritual food of God’s grace in Christ.
- The benefit is the strengthening of faith at the Lord’s Supper.
- Proper partaking requires and encourages spiritual life and health.
- Spiritual health is sincere sorrow for sin and a fervent longing for forgiveness and grace.
- Faith is shown its central object (the sufferings and obedience of Christ) and embraces Him.
- Our faith easily becomes weary in the battle of faith.
- The sacrament provides faith with visible proof that Christ has obtained the victory for us.
- He strengthens the personal assurance and confidence that I am forgiven and eternally righteous.
- And the Spirit stimulates a growth in our faith, to a greater hunger and thirst after Christ.