“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Everything about God is special and important. He reflects this in His dealings with us. He loads us with benefits which make us outstanding from time to time. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist are instituted by Christ. They are not only badges or tokens of the profession of Christians but also sure witnesses and effectual signs of God’s grace and good will towards us. Through them He works invisibly within us, both bringing to life and also strengthening and confirming our faith in Him. But why these sacraments? The sacraments were not instituted by Christ to be gazed at or carried about but to be used properly.
There are basic facts about these sacraments that every child of God must be aware of. Firstly, only those who receive them worthily enjoy their beneficial effect or operation. As Paul the apostle says, those who receive them in an unworthy manner bring condemnation upon themselves. What is your usual or general spiritual status each time you come to the Lord’s table? Are you a responsible and efficient God-parent? Secondly, The sacraments are not rendered ineffectual by the unworthiness of the minister. In the visible church, the evil have always mingled with the good and sometimes evil people possess the highest rank in the ministry of the Word and sacraments, their unworthiness does not affect God’s ministration to His people because they minister in Christ name not in theirs. The effect of Christ’s institution is not taken away by the wickedness of anybody, nor is the grace of God’s gifts diminished, so long as the sacraments are received by faith and rightly. The sacraments are effectual because of Christ’s institution and promise, even though they may be administered by evil men.
Another important fact is that Baptism is not only a sign of profession and a mark of difference but also a sign of regeneration or new birth, through which, as through an instrument, those who receive baptism in the right manner are grafted into the church, the promises of the forgiveness of sin and of our adoption as sons of God by the Holy Spirit are visibly signed and sealed, faith is confirmed, and grace is increased by virtue of prayer to God. In the same token, the Holy Eucharist is not only a sign of the mutual love that Christians ought to have among themselves but also a sacrament of our redemption through Christ’s death. The wicked and those devoid of a lively faith who partake of the Lord’s Supper do not derive any benefits from the sacrament but rather they bring condemnation upon themselves.
Beloved member, for how long have you been a partaker of the Lord’s sacraments? Do you have any testimonies to show for this? Are you guilty of any unworthy act that often rips us of the benefits and blessings that should accrue to us from our fellowship with Him and His Church? What is our level of faith in and our understanding of the Word of Christ that serves as basis for these Sacraments? Let us make use of today’s golden opportunity to put things right with our God.
Have a joyful week as you confidently enter into His grace and the blessings that accrue from a proper relationship with Him and the use of the faith-building sacraments
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede