The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace

The following are some notes from Richard Barcellos, “The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace,” ARBCA General Assembly, 2011.

“The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace at which Christ is present by His divine nature and during which the Holy Spirit nourishes the souls of believers with the benefits wrought for us in Christ’s humanity, which is now glorified and in heaven at the right hand of the Father.”

I. The Biblical Data

A. 1 Cor 10:14-22

1. Emphasis on the “vertical” communion in the Lord’s Supper, as expressed in the contrast against fellowship with demons.

2. This passage speaks of a present communion with the body and blood of the living Christ.

B. Ephesians 1:3

1. The Spirit is the one Mediator between Christ and men. 

2. We have already begun to experience God’s blessings in the heavenly realm through the Spirit bringing treasures from the age to come to our souls. 

II. The Confessional Formulation

A. Bases for the Confessional Witness

1. The words of Jesus recorded in the Gospel accounts .

2. The words of the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 10-11.

3. The grace of faith, and how it grows and develops through the use of means.

4. Union with Christ;

5. The mediatorial work of the Spirit in bringing the benefits of Christ to believers.

B. The Confessional Witness (2LBCF 30:7)

1. “The Supper confirms the faith of believers in the benefits of Christ’s death.”

2. “The Supper is a means through which spiritual nourishment and growth in Christ occurs.”

3. “The Supper is a bond and pledge of communion with Christ.”

III. Final Thoughts

A. The Supper is not ONLY a memorial meal.

        B. In taking the Supper, our focus should be less introspective and more Christ-focused.

        C. The Lord’s Supper is directly connected with Lord’s Day worship in the Bible and sub-apostolic            tradition.

        D. We must highlight the past, present, and future work of Christ in taking the Supper.