34. What is the doctrine on this point of the Reformed churches ?
They all agree that the necessity of baptism arises simply from the command of Christ to baptize ; and that the grace sig- nified belongs to all within the covenant, (whether adult or in- fant,) and would be attained by them with or without the sign and seal. — Conf. Faith, Chap. XXVIII., section 5 ; Calvin's Institutes, 4, 16, 26.
35. What opinion has prevailed as to lay baptism ?
The Komanists and Lutherans believing in the absolute neces- sity of baptism as a means of salvation, have consequently always allowed the validity of baptism administered by laymen in cases of necessity. The Keformed, on the other hand, not believ- ing the ordinance to be necessary to salvation, have uniformly agreed that baptism is to be regarded valid only when adminis- tered by a regularly ordained minister.
CHAPTER XL.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
1. What are the various phrases used in Scripture to desig- nate the Lord's supper, and their import ?
1st. " Lord's Supper/' 1 Cor. xi., 20. The Greek word % delnvov, translated supper, designated the dinner, or principal meal of the Jews, taken towards or in the evening. Hence this sacrament received this name because it was instituted at that meal. It was called the " Lord's," because it was instituted by him, to commemorate his death, and signify and seal his grace.
2d. " Cup of blessing," 1 Cor. x., 16. The cup was blessed by Christ, and the blessing of God is now invoked upon it by the officiating minister, Matt, xxvi., 26, 27.
3d. " Lord's Table," 1 Cor. x., 21. Table here stands by a usual figure for the provisions spread upon it. It is the table at which the Lord invites his guests, and at which he presides.
4th. " Communion," 1 Cor. x., 16. In partaking of this sac- rament, the fellowship of the believer with Christ is established and exercised in a mutual giving and receiving, and consequently also the fellowship of believers with one another, through Christ.
5th. " Breaking of bread," Acts ii., 42. Here the symbolical action of the officiating minister is put for the whole service.
2. By what other terms was it designated in the early church 1
1st. " Eucharist," from Evxagiorecj, to give thanks. See Matt, xxvi., 27. This beautifully designates it as a thanksgiving ser- vice. It is both the cup of thanksgiving, whereby we celebrate the grace of God and pledge our gratitude to him, and the cup of blessing, or the consecrated cup.
504 the lord's supper.
2d. " Svvagig" a coming together, because the sacrament was administered in the public congregation.
3d. " KuTovyyia" a sacred ministration, applied to the sacra- ment by way of eminence. From this word is derived the Eng- lish word liturgy.
4th. " Qvoia," sacrifice offering. " This term was not applied to the sacrament in the proper sense of a propitiatory sacrifice. But (1.) because it was accompanied with a collection and obla- tion of alms ; (2.) because it commemorated the true sacrifice of Christ on the cross ; (3.) because it was truly a eucharistical sac- rifice of praise and thanksgiving, Heb. xiii., 15 ; (4.) because, in the style of the ancients, every religious action, whereby we con- secrate any thing to God for his glory and our salvation, is called a sacrifice."
5th. 'Aydnn. The Agapas, or love feasts, were meals at which all the communicants assembled, and in connection with which they received the consecrated elements. Hence the name of the feast was given to the sacrament itself.
6th. Mvgttjqiov, a mystery, or a symbolical revelation of truth, designed for the special benefit of initiated Christians. This was applied to both sacraments. In the Scriptures it is applied to all the doctrines of revelation, Matt, xiii., 11 ; Col. i., 26.
7th. Missa, mass. The principal designation used by the Latin church. The most probable derivation of this term is from the ancient formula of dismission. When the sacred rites were finished the deacons called out, " Ite, missa est," go it is dis- charged.— Turrettin, L. 19, Q. 21.
3. How is this sacrament defined, and what are the essential points included in the definition ?
See L. Cat., Q. 168 ; S. Cat., Q. 96.
The essential points of this definition are, 1st, the elements, bread and wine, given and received according to the appointment of Jesus Christ. 2d. The design of the recipient of doing this in obedience to Christ's appointment, in remembrance of him, to show forth his death till he come. 3d. The promised presence of Christ in the sacrament by his Spirit, "so that the worthy re- ceivers are not after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by faith,
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made partakers of Christ's body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace/'
4. What kind of bread is to be used in the sacrament, and what is the usage of the different churches on this point ?