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What is the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper? In this sermon on the Lord’s Supper from John 1:16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the meaning and importance of the Lord’s Supper in the Christian life. He begins by examining other views that have been held throughout Church history and are now believed by other denominations. He explains why views like transubstantiation, as held by the Roman Catholic Church, are unbiblical. The Lord’s Supper is important not because it is actually the physical body and blood of Jesus, he says, but it is important because it represents the death of Christ in the believers’ place. It is not some sort of mystical means of communicating grace, but it is a testament to the fact that Jesus died for sinners, and that all who believe in Him are saved through His blood. The Lord’s Supper is an essential part of sanctification because it is a reminder of who Christians are now, and it testifies to His death for the Church. “What does this sermon mean to me?” someone may ask. The message of Jesus is for all people, of all places and times, because it is the message of salvation. The Lord’s Supper declares that all who believe in Jesus are made righteous before God.
In this sermon on the Lord’s Supper, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones concludes his series of sermons on the sacraments with this message, focusing specifically on communion. Like baptism, communion is a sign to the recipient of God’s work in the believer, and also a reminder of the seal of the Holy Spirit living in him or her. However, communion is uniquely vivid in signifying the Lord’s death in the breaking of the bread and pouring out of the wine. As with the water for baptism, Catholics believe that God’s grace is actually in the bread and juice of communion, an idea called transubstantiation—the false thinking that the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. Dr. Lloyd-Jones takes the listener through the arguments for and against this, showing that it is an unbiblical idea. Who is able to take communion? As with baptism, Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates from Scripture that communion is only for those who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Is communion and fellowship with the Lord possible? How does the Christian gain this experience? In this sermon on John 4:27-30 titled “Nearer My God to Thee,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones assures the believer that it is possible to encounter God and enjoy fellowship with him. Not only is it possible, it is his desire that the Christian should know him and draw near. The means to do this are given in Scripture: diligently seek the Lord in the Scriptures, partake in the Lord’s Supper to realize his spiritual presence, pray and ask God to reveal himself, and be obedient and responsive to his encouragements. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that now, more than ever, Christians have the time and means to seek the Lord but they must create and fight for this time. They must not allow themselves to be overcome by other responsibilities as if drawing near to God is the lesser priority. Set aside everything else to commune with the Lord and experience his fellowship.
Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he preaches this sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:20 and the ease with which humanity drifts from the primary principles and why are they here on earth. Look at the picture of an ambassador – someone appointed and called by God to bring the news of the gospel. This is a person who has been given a brief and important message; they are not bringing their own opinion or ideas. What does the gospel say about this great responsibility? Learn of humanity’s exceeding need to be reconciled to God: “If One died for all, then all are dead.” All are in need of this reconciliation because of who humanity is and who God is. Learn that all humanity is spiritually dead under the wrath of God, and unless this is changed, they will not reap the blessings of God. There is hope and God offers this needed reconciliation through His only Son. The Lord’s Supper displays this incomprehensible sacrifice God made to satisfy His own wrath. Today is the day of salvation; nothing else is needed but to believe and accept. Sin is put on Christ and His righteousness imputed to those He calls, giving hope for reconciliation with God.
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