The Assurance of Grace in the Lord's Supper

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal delve into the theological depths of the sacraments, focusing particularly on the Lord's Supper as articulated in the Scots Confession. They explore the intricate relationship between faith and the sacraments, emphasizing John Knox's perspective on the spiritual and mystical union believers experience through the Lord's Supper. The hosts discuss how this union is not merely symbolic but a profound means of grace that assures believers of their faith and salvation.

The conversation also touches on the nature of assurance in faith, as discussed in the Westminster Confession, highlighting the tension between the assurance given by the Holy Spirit and the believer's subjective experience of it. They stress that the sacraments, while ordinary in appearance, are extraordinary in their spiritual significance when apprehended by faith, serving as a means for believers to partake in the grace of God.

Furthermore, Schwamb and Arsenal address the broader implications of sacramental theology within the church, including the importance of church discipline and the proper administration of the sacraments. They encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences with the Lord's Supper, urging them to approach the sacrament with reverence and faith, trusting in the Holy Spirit's work to bring forth fruit in their spiritual lives.

Key Points:

1. The Lord's Supper is a means of grace that provides believers with assurance of their faith and salvation through a mystical union with Christ.
2. The sacraments require faith to be effective, serving as more than mere symbols but as channels of divine grace.
3. John Knox's theology emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the signs and the realities they signify in the sacraments.
4. Assurance of faith is a complex topic, with the Holy Spirit continually testifying to believers of their status as God's children, regardless of their subjective feelings.
5. Proper administration and understanding of the sacraments are crucial for maintaining church discipline and spiritual nourishment.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does your understanding of the sacraments impact your experience of the Lord's Supper?
2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the spiritual realities signified in the sacraments?
3. How does the concept of assurance in faith influence your daily walk with Christ?