Of the Lord's Supper
1689 London Baptist Confession · 30.1–30.8
30.1. Of the Lord's Supper
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 shewing 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 ingagement 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.
Proof texts
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — [23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17, 21 — [16] The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? [17] Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. [21] You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.2. Of the Lord's Supper
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 crosse, 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 Christs own only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the Elect.
Proof texts
- Hebrews 9:25, 26, 28 — [25] Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, [26] for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. [28] so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
- 1 Corinthians 11:24 — [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
- Matthew 26:26, 27 — [26] Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” [27] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Hebrews 9:25, 26, 28 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.3. Of the Lord's Supper
The Lord Jesus hath in this Ordinance, appointed his Ministers to Pray, and bless the Elements of Bread and Wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use, and to take and break the Bread; to take the Cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the Communicants.
Proof texts
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — [23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.4. Of the Lord's Supper
The denyal of the Cup to the people, worshiping the Elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and reserving them for any pretended religious use, are all contrary to the nature of this Ordinance, and to the institution of Christ.
Proof texts
- Matthew 26:26-28 — [26] Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” [27] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, [28] for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
- Matthew 15:9 — [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
- Exodus 20:4, 5 — [4] “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. [5] You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matthew 26:26-28 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.5. Of the Lord's Supper
The outward Elements in this Ordinance, duely set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truely, although in terms used figuratively, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent, to wit the body and Blood of Christ; albeit in substance, and nature, they still remain truly, and only Bread, and Wine, as they were before.
Proof texts
- 1 Corinthians 11:27 — [27] Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 11:26-28 — [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [27] Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Corinthians 11:27 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.6. Of the Lord's Supper
That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of Bread and Wine, into the substance of Christs body and blood (commonly called Transubstantiation) by consecration of a Priest, or by any other way, is repugnant not to Scripture alone, but even to common sense and reason; overthroweth the nature of the ordinance, and hath been and is the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross Idolatries.
Proof texts
- Acts 3:21 — [21] whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
- Luke 24:6, 39 — [6] He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, [39] See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25 — [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Acts 3:21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.7. Of the Lord's Supper
Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible Elements in this Ordinance, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally, and corporally, but spiritually receive, and feed upon Christ crucified & all the benefits of his death: the Body and Blood of Christ, being then not corporally, or carnally, but spiritually present to the faith of Believers, in that Ordinance, as the Elements themselves are to their outward senses.
Proof texts
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 — [16] The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — [23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Corinthians 10:16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
30.8. Of the Lord's Supper
All ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with Christ; so are they unworthy of the Lords Table; and cannot without great sin against him, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto: yea whosoever shall receive unworthily are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, eating and drinking judgement to themselves.
Proof texts
- 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15 — [14] Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? [15] What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
- 1 Corinthians 11:29 — [29] For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
- Matthew 7:6 — [6] “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1