How Faith Is Confirmed in the Lord’s Supper
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 11/29/2015 AM |
Text: | Luke 22:1-30; Lord's Day 28 |
Psalters: | 308, 250, 121, 365 |
- Its institution.
- It is essential that we see that Jesus Himself instituted it as a sacrament when celebrating the Passover feast.
- It is what Jesus said which set the elements apart as sacramental signs.
- First, Jesus’ word must be connected to the bread and wine – the elements by themselves they do not make the sacrament.
- Second, Jesus command to partake and to do so in remembrance of Him is what makes it a sacrament.
- What are the elements of our Lord’s Supper?
- First, there is the simple and plain bread and wine.
- Second, the table conveys the idea of a meal.
- Third, the elements are broken and poured indicating the sacrifice of Christ's life.
- Fourth, Jesus is the Host and He sends His appointed representative speaks His words of institution.
- Fifth, the elements are taken to be eaten and drunk.
- The Supper has significance: it focuses on the idea of the covenant – a relationship of friendship.
- After establishing the covenant relationship, He continues to maintain or uphold it.
- The sacrament strengthens our faith (the consciousness of the covenant relationship).
- Jesus’ presence in the Supper is not physical, but spiritual, which is seen and received only by faith.
- The benefit is the strengthening of faith at the Lord's Supper.
- Proper partaking requires a measure of spiritual life (so our spiritual health is encouraged).
- Our faith often becomes weary in the spiritual warfare.
- The sacrament provides faith with visible proof that Christ has obtained the victory for us.