Reformed Baptist

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 352

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 352

Of the Lord’s Supper.

Chapter 30, Paragraph 2.

“In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all, for remission of sin of the quick or dead; but only a memorial of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all; and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; so that the Popish sacrifice of the Mass (as they call it) is most abominable, injurious to Christ’s own only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the Elect.”

Scripture Lookup

Hebrews 9:25,26,28

1 Corinthians 11:24

Matthew 26:26,27

Reflection

Ringing of bells, and sometimes smells, occur in the mass. The sound of numerous kneelers hitting the ground is heard as people bend down to rest upon them. Up front, a man in a robe stands before an altar. He holds up a wafer over his head. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Jesus. In the mass, Jesus is offered up as a sacrifice: “…in this very memorial, the Church, in particular that gathered here and now, offers the unblemished sacrificial Victim in the Holy Spirit to the Father.” (“Liturgy of the Eucharist“, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

Such participation in the sacrifice of Christ may appeal to those desiring to feel closer to the benefits of His death. In a mystical way, they believe they are re-living that moment over and over again, feeding upon His body and blood. Yet a “memorial” that makes present the sacrifice of Christ fails to remember a vital part of that sacrifice:

“It is finished!” (John 19:30)

Christian, there is no need to offer up Christ again. There is no need to magically join others at the moment of history when Christ was crucified. In the Lord’s Supper, we remember Christ’s offering of Himself: we do not “re-present” it. If you desire union with Christ, the Roman Catholic Church does not offer it. Only Christ can give such forgiveness. Partaking of the Lord’s Supper in the way He has prescribed will remind you that in Him you already have all spiritual blessings. Praise Him for that!

Questions to Consider

  • How does the Roman Catholic mass fit in with their understanding of salvation (by works)?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 351

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 351

Of the Lord’s Supper.

Chapter 30, Paragraph 1.

“The Supper of the Lord Jesus, was instituted by him, the same night wherein he was betrayed, to be observed in his Churches unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance, and showing forth the sacrifice of himself in his death, confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof, their spiritual nourishment, and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to, all duties which they owe unto him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other.”

Scripture Lookup

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
1 Corinthians 10:16,17,21

Reflection

The night Jesus was betrayed, He instituted the Lord’s Supper. In this way His sacrificial death is remembered and proclaimed throughout the ages. Yet the Supper is more than just a reenactment. Even in His command, “Do this in remembrance of Me,” He is blessing His people. Through the benefits of the Lord’s Supper, we receive confirmation of the benefits of His death, and strength to persevere in Him.

The Lord’s Supper emphasizes us that we cannot walk this Christian life alone. Not only is our union with Christ necessary, but our communion with the saints aids us in exhorting and encouraging one another to press onward in the faith. The strength we receive from the spiritual nourishment of Christ through the Supper enables us to love our fellow Christians, and the strength they also receive enables them to love us.

This ordinance, a simple eating together of bread and drinking in unison wine, is a means of grace for the believer. As such, we must not neglect it. Christian, come, be nourished by the Lord’s Supper in your local church.

Questions to Consider

  • Why is the Lord’s Supper so significant?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 350

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 350

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 4.

“Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 3:16

John 3:23

Reflection

As Christians, we are new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17). Our old life is left behind; we now walk in newness of life. No aspect of ourselves remains untouched by our union with Christ. How do we physically convey this in baptism?

The proper way for baptism to be administered is for the person being baptized to be immersed in water. The Bible demonstrates this in the use of the word baptize, which comes from the Greek word baptizo meaning to immerse. When John the Baptist baptized, he did so in a place where there would be lots of water, for he needed such in order to immerse. To baptize is to immerse, and because of that, immersion is the proper way to administer the ordinance of baptism.

Our union with Christ is not a partial union. We are united with Him through His life, death, and resurrection. We are renewed in the whole man through His mediatorial work. Baptism by immersion demonstrates this reality in a succinct, powerful way, plunging under and coming up out of the water. Neither drops of water, nor the pouring of it, emphasize such a complete union. When we remember our baptism, we are spurred to praise God for His full forgiveness and mercy.

Questions to Consider

  • How does immersion aid you in your understanding of salvation?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 349

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 349

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 3.

“The outward element to be used in this ordinance is water, wherein the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 28:19, 20

Acts 8:38

Reflection

Baptism and water are inseparable. It is quite difficult to think of baptism without thinking of water. But it must be asked: is water necessary in order to be baptized? Why is there such an emphasis on the use of water?

When we are baptized, it is a sign of leaving our old life behind. The corrupt nature, our inclination to evil, our servitude to sin, have all been changed through the salvation God has granted to us. The mark of death sin left on us is washed away. What better element to use as a symbol of our purification than water? Water is essential in our daily washing; its use in baptism makes perfect sense.

Baptism is a sign of the Christian’s union with Christ. Yet our salvation is a product of all three persons of the Trinity. The Father elects a people, the Son dies for that people, and the Holy Spirit regenerates that people. Because of the triune nature of salvation, we are to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is in line with Scripture: Jesus Himself directs baptism to be done in the name of all three persons of the Trinity.

Questions to Consider

  • Have you ever considered baptism not using water? Why is baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit important?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 348

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 348

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 2.

“Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.”

Scripture Lookup

Mark 16:16

Acts 8:36,37, 2:41, 8:12, 18:8

Reflection

If baptism is a sign unto the party baptized of her unity with Christ, her identifying with His death and resurrection, and a sign of the newness of life to which she has been called, then who should receive this ordinance? The obvious choice is the person who meets those qualifications. In other words, a regenerated Christian.

Baptism is one of those pesky issues that people either love to debate or dismiss in an effort to have everyone all get along. While those who baptize infants may still be true Christians, the meaning of the ordinance cannot be shrugged aside. Our Baptist forefathers knew this, facing persecution for their understanding of baptism. Since baptism is a command of our Lord Jesus Christ, we should take care to understand what it is and how it should be administered.

All of worship is to be ordered according to the word of God. Baptism is an act of worship; we must look to the Bible to see who are the proper recipients of it. The clear passages of Scripture show that those believers who profess repentance and faith are the ones who ought to be baptized. Other passages that have been given in support of infant baptism are not clear, and assumptions must be made concerning the presence of infants in those households.

When baptism is performed differently, you can’t help but notice it. Compare a professing adult plunged into water to water sprinkled over the head of an infant. Does baptism mean the same thing to those two? Of course not. A baby cannot declare repentance and faith. While cute, they are not to receive this ordinance. Only those who profess to have repented and believed are to be baptized.

Questions to Consider

  • Can you give a defense from the Bible why professing believers should only be the ones baptized?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 347

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 347

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 1.

“… and of giving up unto God through Jesus Christ to live and walk in newness of life.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 6:4

Reflection

Baptism is a sign to those being baptized of their union with Christ. It symbolizes their unity with Him in His death and in His resurrection. The remission of sins is signified by water. Baptism also is a sign of the Christian’s new life.

Choosing to be baptized should not be done out of peer pressure, a desire for attention, or to receive a cool t-shirt. Rather, one should enter the waters of baptism out of a humble obedience to Christ’s command. In baptism you are admitting to those present that you are a sinner, that you cannot save yourself. You are proclaiming that Jesus called you out of the world, that He regenerated you and is working sanctification in you by His Spirit. You are no longer unable to do good, but are now a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:19).

What does it say if you are baptized but live as if there were no change in you? Your baptism is a testimony to a changed life. No longer follow after the foolish and fleeting passions of this world. Walk in the newness of life your baptism points to.

Questions to Consider

  • How does the ordinance of baptism help you in your spiritual life?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 346

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 346

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 1.

“…of remission of sins;…”

Scripture Lookup

Mark 1:4

Acts 22:16

Reflection

“What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

For those being baptized, going under the water and coming up is a sign. It is a sign of their union with Christ, with His death and resurrection. It is also a sign that their sins are forgiven. In the Bible sin is not only described as a wrong action, but is likened to a stain, a mark that needs to be removed:

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me….Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:2-3,10)

‘Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight….Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.‘ (Isaiah 1:16,18)

As humans with a corrupted fallen nature, sin permeates our being. We need a purification in order to have communion with God. Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we are justified before God. Our sins are called to mind no more: “Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19) We are washed in the blood of the Lamb, and sin no longer has dominion over us: “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Water is the usual element used in washing, so it is fitting that it is used in baptism. We are reminded that Jesus has washed us by His blood, and that sin no longer has dominion over us: “…so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:26, 27) Remember your baptism, and the remission of sin it signifies.

“Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.”

Questions to Consider

  • Why is it important that baptism be a sign of remission of sins?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 345

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 345

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 1.

“Baptism is an Ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party Baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death, and resurrection; of his being ingrafted into him;…”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 6:3-5

Colossians 2:12

Galatians 3:27

Reflection

Commanding that the disciples baptize those who come to faith and repentance, Jesus instituted the ordinance of baptism after His resurrection. What is so special about being baptized? What does it signify? Baptism symbolizes union with Christ. When you are baptized, it is a sign to you that we have fellowship with Christ. As Christians we are linked to His death, His resurrection, and are ingrafted into Him.

Plunging beneath the water during your baptism, you are reminded that you are united to Christ in His death. His blood was shed for you: “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20) The wrath of God you deserved for your sin fell upon Him, and He willingly endured agony and suffering in body and soul four your sake (See LBCF 8.4). Baptism is a sign to you that you have been buried with Him.

Rising out of the water is a sign that you are not only united to Christ in His death, but also in His resurrection. Christ has fully satisfied the justice of God, and through His resurrection has secured a people such as yourself. Because of Christ’s resurrection you “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4) in order to glorify God.

Christ has died for you. Christ rose from the dead for you. Through the ordinance of baptism, you are shown that Christ does not leave you. Rather, you are now ingrafted into Him. All spiritual blessings are yours through Him due to this union. His Spirit dwells in you, working faith in you, sanctifying you, bringing you to repentance, and working in you to do good works. In baptism you see that you are part of His body, and do not walk alone but with the fellowship of the saints.

More than getting wet, baptism is a profound ceremony for those who are baptized. It is a sign of the new birth we have through Christ Jesus. May we remember our baptism and its sign of the union we have with our Savior.

Questions to Consider

  • If baptism is a sign of union with Christ, then who should be baptized?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 344

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 344

Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Chapter 28, Paragraph 2.

“These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 28:19

1 Corinthians 4:1

Reflection

Friends gathering together wish to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. They are all believers, but none of them are elders in their church. Is it right for them to celebrate communion in that setting?

A young man comes to faith in Christ and desires to be baptized. His father, while not an elder, proudly baptizes his son. What a touching event, sure to be remembered by both family members – but is it biblical?

When we read about baptism and the Lord’s Supper, it seems at first glance there are no stipulations regarding who is to perform these ordinances. Doesn’t Matthew 28 pertain to Christians today? Aren’t Christians supposed to observe the Lord’s Supper? To have such events occur only at church seems stifling to our modern sensibilities, yet those who penned the LBCF state that only those qualified and called (i.e. the elders in the church) are to administer them. Why would they think this?

When we realize the importance of the assembly of saints, and the respect given to Jesus Christ as head of the church, we will rethink how lax we are with the institutions He has given the church. Jesus directed the Great Commission to the apostles and the church as a whole. Sam Waldron writes:

The Great Commission is not addressed…to every individual Christian….The right conclusion is that the Great Commission was given to the church corporately and not to the Christian individually.

Elders are given the responsibility for feeding the sheep in their care. That includes administering the ordinances. As we look into what baptism and the Lord’s Supper do for the believer, we will guard more carefully how they are performed.

Questions to Consider

  • Why is it important that the ordinances are observed correctly?

 

 

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 343

/ Reformed Baptista / Leave a comment

Day 343

Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Chapter 28, Paragraph 1.

“Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 28:19,20

1 Corinthians 11:26

Reflection

As Christians, we have been called out by Jesus and are united to Him through His life, death, and resurrection. Since we are united to Jesus, we are united to every other saint, as they are also in union with Him. Jesus directs us to gather together as local churches to worship Him. He also directs us to obey His commands. Two commands in particular churches are to observe: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

What is an ordinance? An ordinance is an authoritative decree. Jesus Christ Himself decreed that the church is to observe the Lord’s Supper: “…He broke it and said,…’Do this in remembrance of Me'” (1 Corinthians 11:25). He also directly commands that the disciples be baptized. These ordinances have been given by Jesus. They are positive commands, meaning that they are to be followed in this day and age. The Old Testament saints were not sinning by not being baptized or observing the Lord’s Supper, for those were not commanded of them. All of us who are Christians, however, are to obey the Lord in being baptized and taking communion.

There will be no baptism and the Lord’s Supper after the end of the world. All who have been called out will be with Jesus Himself at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Until that day comes, the church continues to enter the waters of baptism and come together for the Lord’s Supper.

Questions to Consider

  • If you are a Christian, have you been baptized? Do you partake of the Lord’s Supper?