May 2007

Turning from the matter recently treated in a prior post concerning the proper connection and chronological order of forgiveness of sin and Baptism, here's John Calvin on the Lord's Supper. Again, note how carefully he opposes sacramentalism, stating that the sacraments "derive their virtue from the word when it is preached intelligibly," and that "Without this they deserve not the name of sacraments."

One comment under the post I previously referenced tried to pass off the reformers' emphasis on the connection between the Word and the sacraments as being fulfilled in the reading of the words of institution. Here Calvin makes clear it is the Word preached.

Finally, note Calvin's interesting and helpful discussion of the errors, but similar concerns, of Luther and  Zwingli in the matter of the Lord's Supper. May we oppose sacramentalism and bare memorialism with the same kind understanding.

FIrst, then, Calvin on the proper understanding of the Lord's Supper:

48. THE WORD OUGHT ALWAYS TO ACCOMPANY THE SACRAMENTS.
The principal thing recommended by our Lord is to celebrate the ordinance with true understanding. From this it follows that the essential part lies in the doctrine.

(Actually posted by Tim.)

There has been an extended debate over the nature of the Sacrament of Baptism that's gone on in the comments section of this blog this past week. For Pentecost Sunday, then, here's the command to be baptized that the Apostle Peter gave those gathered under his preaching on that first day of Pentecost, followed by Calvin's comment on that baptism...

A number of years ago, our brother, Nathan, told us of the prevalence of the Masonic Order in one of the PCA churches in his area, and how the church would not stand for their pastor preaching against it...

Oxford don Alister McGrath had many good words to say about Rowan Williams when he was elevated to head the worldwide Anglican communion as Archibishop of Canterbury. That was our first clue Williams would be one more nail in the coffin of this denomination Martyn Lloyd-Jones warned J. I. Packer and John Stott to leave forty or so years ago. They wouldn't listen. So now Packer, Stott, and McGrath are three men in a boat, and it's sinking.

Still, all is not lost. Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola is speaking with the boldness of the Apostle Paul in confronting Williams over his doublemindedness. Praise God for Peter Akinola. May the Holy Spirit protect him from the evil one.

The New York Times sees evidence for "growth" among baby boomers taking over the reigns of leadership from aging evangelicals such as Dr. James Dobson (71), Chuck Colson (75), and the late Pastor Jerry Falwell. But while noting younger evangelicals are "more accepting" of sodomy than older evangelicals, the Times retains some pessimism toward the electoral change it seeks, admitting with some chagrin that "on abortion, (younger evangelicals) remain almost as conservative as their parents." The Times concludes by pointing out that this cross-generational stability in opposing abortion is "fodder for both political parties to weigh as they consider the future."

It's apparent the Democratic Party has started to get it on abortion, nakedly opportunistic as their getting it is when Sen. Chuck Schumer is leading the way. It's also apparent the Republican Party is selling its birthright for a mess of potage.

(Thanks, Mark.)