The Sacraments

We might know we need to be cleansed, might know we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ but we might not FEEL cleansed.  If we could just feel the cleansing water maybe it would be better.

In this next chapter Welch tells us how God has put in place some very physical and tangible symbols of the cross and its effects.

Baptism and Lord's Supper

Baptism is a sign of God's cleansing, acceptance, union with Jesus, forgiveness and empowerment from the Spirit.  Lord's Supper is the invitation to "come and eat," which assures us that we are NO LONGER OUTCASTS.  (p. 239)

These sacraments are necessities of life with baptism something we do once because we were cleansed ONCE AND FOR ALL.  The Lord's Supper is repeated because we can't have enough of a good thing!

Baptism proclaims that we need purification (Titus 3:5 and Heidelberg Catechism LD 26, Q&A 69).  When we are baptized as infants the water of baptism is the sign and seal of God's promises to you, that He sent His Son to die for you on the cross.  When we are baptized as adults we come as needy children, acknowledging what Jesus did for us by cleansing us in His blood and forgiving our sins.

Baptism is a gift, like the wedding ring.  Whenever we look at it we are reminded of God's love and faithfulness to us.  Welch encourages us to become part of a church where "Christ and Him crucified" is central.

Lords's Supper is another physical sign that God gives us, which emphasizes our sharing the meal with Christ, with each other, with all believers through the ages.  This supper is very sensory since it now includes taste and smell to touch of baptism (p. 242).  (John 6:54-56; Mt 26:26-28)

This Supper not only reaches to the past, is felt today, but it also reaches to the future to the heavenly fellowship meal that brings the future glory of the heavenly banquet to us (p. 243).  There are no misfits anymore, all who share in this meal are ONE, no upper/lower class, no poor/rich.  Welch encourages us to expect things to happen at the Lord's table.  When Jesus broke bread people's eyes were opened, Luke 24:29-31.  We all need this meal to have our eyes opened, to truly know that God is personally in us through His Holy Spirit, and we BELONG to Him.  No one can take that away!!