Understanding the Significance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism and the Lord's Supper as Public Declarations

Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not merely traditional practices but are divine appointments instituted by Christ to serve as public declarations of our faith. These sacraments are outward signs that point to an inward spiritual grace, much like a road sign pointing to a destination. They are essential expressions of our belief in the gospel, meant to visibly express the profound truths of our faith. However, participating in these rituals without understanding their spiritual significance can lead to a superficial faith experience. It is crucial to approach these sacraments with a heart that seeks to grasp their deeper meaning and significance. [01:06]

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you more intentionally live out the public declaration of your faith made through baptism and the Lord's Supper in your daily interactions with others?

Day 2: Distinction of Divine Ordinances

The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper should not be confused with other practices that have emerged over time, such as penance or confirmation. These two sacraments are uniquely instituted by Christ as divine ordinances, underscored by Scripture. The New Testament presents them not as human inventions but as divine mandates. Understanding this distinction is crucial for maintaining the purity and integrity of these practices within the church. By recognizing their divine origin, believers can appreciate the unique role these sacraments play in the life of the church and in their personal spiritual journey. [03:52]

"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your participation in the sacraments remains true to their biblical foundation and divine purpose?

Day 3: Signs vs. Conveyors of Grace

Over time, the perception of sacraments has shifted from being mere signs of grace to being seen as conveyors of grace. This shift has significant theological implications, particularly in traditions that believe in transubstantiation, where the elements of the Lord's Supper are viewed as the actual body and blood of Christ. This belief suggests that the mass is a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, diverging from the New Testament teaching of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. It is important to understand the original intent of these sacraments as signs pointing to the grace already given through Christ's sacrifice. [06:54]

"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the sacraments as signs rather than conveyors of grace impact your view of Christ's sacrifice and your relationship with Him?

Day 4: Sola Scriptura and Sacraments

Sola scriptura, the principle that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority, should guide our understanding of the sacraments. The truth of God conveyed verbally in Scripture should align with the truth conveyed visibly in the sacraments. When teachings about the sacraments contradict the Bible, it is essential to adhere to the biblical witness. This commitment ensures that the practices of the church remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, preserving the integrity of the faith. By allowing Scripture to be the ultimate authority, believers can navigate theological complexities with confidence and clarity. [11:10]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: Are there any beliefs or practices in your life that need to be reevaluated in light of Scripture's authority? How can you begin this process today?

Day 5: Theological Implications of Transubstantiation

The belief in transubstantiation and the mass as a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice raises significant theological concerns, as it contradicts the New Testament teaching of Christ's once-for-all atoning sacrifice. This view can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of Christ's work on the cross and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. It is essential to approach these matters with a commitment to biblical truth, recognizing that Christ's sacrifice was complete and sufficient for all time. By understanding the theological implications of these beliefs, believers can deepen their appreciation for the finished work of Christ and the grace that flows from it. [17:49]

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice influence your worship and daily walk with Him? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this truth?

Sermon Summary

Baptism and the Lord's Supper serve as profound public declarations of our faith in the gospel. These ordinances, instituted by Christ, are not mere traditions but divine appointments meant to visibly express an inward spiritual grace. Augustine aptly described them as outward signs pointing to a deeper reality. Just as a road sign points to a destination, these sacraments point to the profound truths of our faith. However, it is crucial to understand that participating in these rituals without grasping their spiritual significance can lead to a superficial faith experience.

The New Testament presents these ordinances not as human inventions but as divine mandates. They are not to be confused with other practices that have emerged over time, such as penance or confirmation, which are not instituted by Christ in the same manner. The confusion surrounding sacraments, especially during the Middle Ages, often revolved more around their nature than their number. The real issue lies in understanding what baptism and the Lord's Supper truly signify and who should partake in them.

Over time, the perception of these sacraments has shifted from being mere signs of grace to being seen as conveyors of grace. This shift has led to significant theological implications, particularly in traditions that view the elements of the Lord's Supper as the actual body and blood of Christ, a belief known as transubstantiation. This belief suggests that the mass is a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, a view that diverges from the New Testament teaching of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.

It is essential to approach these matters with a commitment to sola scriptura, allowing Scripture to be the ultimate authority in understanding the church's practices. The truth of God, conveyed verbally in Scripture, should align with the truth conveyed visibly in the sacraments. When teachings about the sacraments contradict the Bible, we must choose to adhere to the biblical witness.

Key Takeaways

1. for-all sacrifice. [06:54]
4. Sola scriptura should guide our understanding of the sacraments, ensuring that the truth of God conveyed verbally in Scripture aligns with the truth conveyed visibly in the sacraments.

5. The belief in transubstantiation and the mass as a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice raises significant theological concerns, as it contradicts the New Testament teaching of Christ's once-for-all atoning sacrifice. [06:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Public Profession of Faith
[01:52] - Outward Signs of Inward Grace
[03:17] - Divine Appointment of Ordinances
[04:23] - Distinction from Other Sacraments
[05:31] - Historical Confusion on Sacraments
[06:19] - Signs vs. Conveyors of Grace
[07:59] - Misunderstandings in the Congregation
[09:34] - Importance of Biblical Authority
[11:10] - Sola Scriptura and Sacraments
[13:19] - Roman Catholic View on Eucharist
[15:31] - Transubstantiation Explained
[17:49] - Theological Implications of the Mass
[19:58] - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice
[22:41] - Idolatry Concerns in Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Luke 22:19 - "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'"
Hebrews 10:11-14 - "Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Observation Questions:

According to the sermon, what are the primary purposes of baptism and the Lord's Supper? [01:06]
How does the sermon describe the difference between signs of grace and conveyors of grace? [06:54]
What does the sermon suggest about the historical confusion regarding the nature of sacraments? [05:31]
How does the sermon explain the concept of sola scriptura in relation to understanding the sacraments? [11:10]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon interpret Jesus' command in Luke 22:19 to "do this in remembrance of me"? What significance does this have for the practice of the Lord's Supper? [03:32]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the belief in transubstantiation diverges from the New Testament teaching of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice? [17:49]
How does the sermon address the potential dangers of participating in baptism and the Lord's Supper without understanding their spiritual significance? [02:49]
What does the sermon imply about the role of Scripture in guiding the church's understanding and practice of sacraments? [11:10]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own experience with baptism and the Lord's Supper. How have these practices served as public declarations of your faith? [01:06]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual significance of sacraments. How can you deepen your understanding of these practices in your own faith journey? [02:49]
Consider the concept of sola scriptura. How can you ensure that your understanding of church practices aligns with biblical teachings? [11:10]
The sermon discusses the shift from viewing sacraments as signs of grace to conveyors of grace. How does this shift impact your view of the Lord's Supper and baptism? [06:54]
How can you engage in conversations with others who may have different beliefs about the sacraments, while maintaining a commitment to biblical teachings? [09:34]
Reflect on the historical context of the Reformation and its emphasis on sola scriptura. How does this historical perspective influence your current faith practices? [17:49]
Identify one way you can actively participate in the church's mission to make disciples, as instructed in Matthew 28:19. How can baptism play a role in this mission?

Sermon Clips

Baptism and the Lord's Supper are communion whatever other important ends may be intended for both of them they were appointed as a mode for publicly professing our faith in the gospel that by means of our celebration of the Lord's Supper by means of our participation in the opportunity of baptism both contexts are an opportunity for the public profession of our faith. [00:51:18]

In each case the sign is a visible display that points to a reality different from and more significant than itself for example you may know that there is a sign somewhere up on the freeway that points to Chicago you may know the sign you may obviously have parked your car underneath the sign you may have actually pointed the sign out to other people and you could be very familiar with the sign without ever having visited the the place to which it points. [00:112:45]

What we have in the New Testament in these ordinances are there not as a result of men getting together and thinking up a ceremony or an institution but they are there by Divine appointment if you turn to Luke chapter 22 which I suggested you might have your finger in you find there that Jesus in verse 19 takes bread on the occasion of the Last Supper he gives thanks and breaks it and gives it to his disciples saying this is my body given for you and then notice do this in remembrance of me. [00:186:46]

Take all of your seven sacraments or ordinances and then take your Bible and look for all seven retain all that you find and discard all that you do not discover when you have completed the exercise you will discover that has an ordinance or as a Sacrament if we choose to use that word there are only two given by Christ and underscored by scripture. [00:270:32]

Because as time went by baptism and the Lord's Supper came to be regarded not simply as signs of Grace as Augustine pointed them out outward and visible signs of an Inward and spiritual Grace Augustine's statement was uh representative of a fourth Century understanding of things once you had had the development of the apostolic church under the neuronian persecution but once you go forward from there you discover that the signs of Grace are now actually being thought of as containing Grace and conveying Grace. [00:372:14]

What you have in the Bible is the truth of God verbally what you have in the ordinances or the sacraments is the truth of God visibly and the truth of God visibly conveyed by means of symbols does not contradict the truth of God verbally conveyed in the truth of the Bible so when you find a teaching that grants to the visible elements that which calls in question what we have verbally in the testimony of scripture. [00:635:31]

The Eucharist says the catechism is the source and Summit of the Christian Life in other words it is there in the mass in the Eucharist that the Christian Life is crystallized discovered and truly experienced for in the Eucharist and I quote again from section 1330 is contained the whole spiritual good of the church in the Eucharist I quote 1324 it is the Sun and summary of our faith. [00:804:00]

The first is that when you say that transubstantiation has taken place and that you have the real presence of the real Christ in these elements then it is expressive of the fact that the mass itself is a sacrifice in which the sacrifice of the Cross is represented to God and applied to the people. [00:964:19]

The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it represents makes present the sacrifice of the cross so the cross and the mass share the presence of Christ they are identified so the offering of Christ by the priest is therefore the same as the offering by Jesus made himself on the cross. [00:993:37]

When he who himself had no sin came as the perfect sacrifice for sin he made a once and all atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people done finish Jesus said not partially finished finished done I need no other sacrifice I need no other plea it is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me and he died for me once and on the basis of his one-time sacrifice on the cross he has provided a propitiation for the sins of all who believe. [01:168:33]

This is not two ways of looking at one thing this is two totally different views of the Gospel now let me give you two things and I'll move on you said there's no way you're doing baptism this morning I understand that but that's all right in the doctrine of transubstantiation there is the worship of the host and I do not mean in any sense to denigrate the sincerity the love the devotion the commitment the earnest longing that is represented in the hearts of many many people for whom this is their standard pattern through life. [01:240:44]

It is right to worship the Eucharist quotes genuflecting or bowing deeply why well it's logical because when they carry that thing down in veneration and in procession they are not doing what I think is happening merely carrying signs and symbols but they are according to the doctrine carrying the real presence of Christ under the bread and the wine and it is for that reason that they are to be reserved for veneration and carried in procession. [01:307:06]

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Understanding the Significance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism and the Lord's Supper as Public Declarations

Day 2: Distinction of Divine Ordinances

Day 3: Signs vs. Conveyors of Grace

Day 4: Sola Scriptura and Sacraments

Day 5: Theological Implications of Transubstantiation

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding the Significance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

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