1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you… I. WHAT IS A SACRAMENT? In general, the visible sign of an invisible grace. 1. As God hath used covenants, so also sacraments always. 2. They are part, not of His natural, but instituted worship. 3. They are all pledges of the covenant of grace. 4. They all represent Christ the Mediator — (1) To suffer. (2) Or having suffered. 5. In all sacraments there are two parts. (1) The thing signified. II. WHAT IS THE LORD'S SUPPER? A sacrament, wherein the outward signs are bread and wine. III. WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY DIVINE INSTITUTION? That it was instituted of God, as the others were not, which the Church of Rome maintains to be sacraments, viz., confirmation, orders, penance, matrimony, and extreme unction. IV. HOW DOES IT APPEAR TO BE OF DIVINE INSTITUTION (Luke 22:19, 20). V. WHEREFORE WAS IT INSTITUTED BY GOD? 1. When God had made man, He entered into a covenant of works with him (Leviticus 18:5). 2. This covenant man broke, and so became miserable. 3. Hence God, of His mercy, enters into a covenant of grace (Jeremiah 31:33). 4. This covenant of grace was established in Christ (Hebrews 12:21; 2 Corinthians 1:20). 5. This covenant man is also apt to miscarry in; so as — (1) To be forgetful of it. (2) Not to believe in it. (3) To receive no benefit from it. 6. Hence God instituted this sacrament. (1) To make us mindful of this covenant and Christ (Luke 22:19). (2) To confirm and seal it to us (Romans 4:11). (3) To convey the benefits of it to us.Conclusion: 1. Be thankful for this sacrament. 2. Do not neglect the use of it. 3. Prepare yourselves for it. (1) Acquaint yourselves with the nature of it. (2) Repent. (3) Act faith in Christ. (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: |
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