Reevaluating the Role of Sacraments in Public Worship
As a pastor, have you ever stopped to consider the significance of sacraments in your church’s public worship? While many of us acknowledge their importance, we often relegate them to a secondary status behind Scripture. However, this mindset may stem from a misunderstanding of what sacraments are and what they accomplish.
The Complementary Nature of Scripture and Sacrament
Scripture is undoubtedly the primary means by which we hear from God and respond to Him. Nevertheless, the Reformers recognized that both Scripture and sacraments are essential to the life of the church. In fact, they considered the right administration of sacraments to be one of the two main marks of a true church, alongside the right preaching of Scripture.
Understanding Sacraments as Visible Words
God has given us two types of words: written (Scripture) and visible (sacraments). While Scripture grounds the sacraments and gives them meaning, the sacraments reinforce and accentuate Scripture. Baptism and Communion present the good news of Jesus Christ in a tangible, experiential way, engaging our senses and drawing us closer to Him.
The Power of Physical Objects in Worship
Throughout history, God has used physical objects to work in and through His people. From the water of baptism to the bread and wine of Communion, these elements are not mere symbols but instruments of God’s work in our lives. By using physical objects, God acknowledges our creaturely condition and invites us to experience His presence in a multisensory way.
The Incarnational Nature of Sacraments
The sacraments are deeply connected to the incarnation of Jesus Christ, where the spiritual and physical meet. In baptism and Communion, we encounter the crucified, risen, and present Christ in a full-bodied manner, beholding His glory and being transformed into His image.
Reimagining Our Identity through Sacraments
The sacraments also force us to reimagine who we are. By faith, we are united to Christ, and the sacraments teach us that we have been created and redeemed for personal union and communion with the triune God. In an age of identity confusion, the sacraments offer a profound answer to the question of who we are and where we belong.
Conclusion
Let us not undervalue the sacraments in our churches. They are far more profound than we dare realize, reinforcing the good news of Jesus Christ and presenting Him to us in a tangible way. May we receive these gospel gifts with faith and gratitude, drawing closer to our crucified and risen Lord, and may we see ourselves more clearly as we behold His glory.
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