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Q. 171. How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?
A. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselvesⓧ of their being in Christ,ⓨ of their sins and wants;ⓩ of the truth and measure of their knowledge,ⓐ faith,ⓑ repentance;ⓒ love to God and the brethren,ⓓ charity to all men,ⓔ forgiving those that have done them wrong;ⓕ of their desires after Christ,ⓖ and of their new obedience;ⓗ and by renewing the exercise of these graces,ⓘ by serious meditation,ⓚ and fervent prayer.ⓛ
ⓧ. 1 Cor. 11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
ⓨ. 2 Cor. 13:5. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
ⓩ. 1 Cor. 5:7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.
Ex. 12:15. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
ⓐ. 1 Cor. 11:29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’'s body.
ⓑ. 2 Cor. 13:5. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Matt. 26:28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
ⓒ. Zech. 12:10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
1 Cor. 11:31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
ⓓ. 1 Cor. 10:16–-17. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Acts 2:46–-47. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
ⓔ. 1 Cor. 5:8. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Cor. 11:18, 20. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.…… When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’'s supper.
ⓕ. Matt. 5:23–-24. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
ⓖ. Isa. 55:1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
John 7:37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
ⓗ. 1 Cor. 5:7–-8. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
ⓘ. 1 Cor. 11:25–-26, 28. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’'s death till he come.…… But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Heb. 10:21–-22, 24. …… and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.…… And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
Ps. 26:6. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD.
ⓚ. 1 Cor. 11:24–-25. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
ⓛ. 2 Chron. 30:18–-19. For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
Matt. 26:26. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Q. 172. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord’'s Supper?
A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof;ⓜ and in God’'s account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it,ⓝ and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ,ⓞ and to depart from iniquity:ⓟ in which case (because promises are made,
and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christiansⓠ) he is to bewail his unbelief,ⓡ and labor to have his doubts resolved;ⓢ and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord’'s Supper, that he may be further strengthened.ⓣ
ⓜ. Isa. 50:10. Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
1 John 5:13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Ps. 88. O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.…… Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.…… Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called
daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee. Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.…… LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?…… Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.…… Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.
Ps. 77:1–-4, 7–-10. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.…… Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
Jonah 2:4. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
ⓝ. Isa. 54:7–-10. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
Matt. 5:3–-4. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Ps. 31:22. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
Ps. 73:13, 22–-23. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.…So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
ⓞ. Phil. 3:8–-9. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
Ps. 10:17. LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.
Ps. 42:1–-2, 5, 11. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?…… Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.…… Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
ⓟ. 2 Tim. 2:19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Isa. 50:10. Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
Ps. 66:18–-20. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: but verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
ⓠ. Isa. 40:11, 29, 31. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.…… He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.…… But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Matt. 11:28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. 12:20. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Matt. 26:28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
ⓡ. Mark 9:24. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
ⓢ. Acts 2:37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 16:30. And [the keeper of the prison] brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
ⓣ. Rom. 4:11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.
1 Cor. 11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Q. 173. May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord’'s Supper, be kept from it?
A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord’'s Supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ hath left in his church,ⓤ until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation.ⓦ
ⓤ. 1 Cor. 11:27–-34. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’'s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Matt. 7:6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
1 Cor. 5. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’'s wife.…… For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are
gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.…… For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.…… But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.…… Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Jude 23. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
1 Tim. 5:22. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’'s sins: keep thyself pure.
ⓦ. 2 Cor. 2:7. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Q. 174. What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper in the time of the administration of it?
A. It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance,ⓧ diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions,ⓨ heedfully discern the Lord’'s body,ⓩ and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings,ⓐ and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces;ⓑ in judging themselves,ⓒ and sorrowing for sin;ⓓ in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ,ⓔ feeding on him by faith,ⓕ
receiving of his fullness,ⓖ trusting in his merits,ⓗ rejoicing in his love,ⓘ giving thanks for his grace;ⓚ in renewing of their covenant with God,ⓛ and love to all the saints.ⓜ
ⓧ. Lev. 10:3. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.……
Heb. 12:28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Ps. 5:7. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
1 Cor. 11:17, 26–-27. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.…… For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’'s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
ⓨ. Ex. 24:8. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Matt. 26:28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
ⓩ. 1 Cor. 11:29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’'s body.
ⓐ. Luke 22:19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
ⓑ. 1 Cor. 11:26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’'s death till he come.
1 Cor. 10:3–-5, 11, 14. And [our fathers] did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.…… Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.…… Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
ⓒ. 1 Cor. 11:31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
ⓓ. Zech. 12:10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
ⓔ. Rev. 22:17. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
See Matt. 5:6.
ⓕ. John 6:35. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. See verses 47–-58.
ⓖ. John 1:16. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
ⓗ. Phil. 3:9. …… and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
ⓘ. Ps. 63:4–-5. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
2 Chron. 30:21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD.
ⓚ. Ps. 22:26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. See 1 Cor. 10:16.
ⓛ. Jer. 50:5. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
Ps. 50:5. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
ⓜ. Acts 2:42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper?
A. The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’'s Supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success;ⓝ if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it,ⓞ beg the continuance of it,ⓟ watch against relapses,ⓠ fulfill their vows,ⓡ and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance:ⓢ but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament;ⓣ in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time:ⓤ but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled,ⓦ and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.ⓧ
ⓝ. Ps. 28:7. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Ps. 85:8. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
1 Cor. 11:17, 30–-31. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.…… For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
ⓞ. 2 Chron. 30:21–-23, 25–-26. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD. And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers. And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.…… And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced. So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the
like in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:42, 46–-47. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.…… And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
ⓟ. Ps. 36:10. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
Song 3:4. It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’'s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
1 Chron. 29:18. O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee.
ⓠ. 1 Cor. 10:3–-5, 12. And [our fathers] did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.…… Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
ⓡ. Ps. 50:14. Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.
ⓢ. 1 Cor. 11:25–-26. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’'s death till he come.
Acts 2:42, 46. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.…… And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.
ⓣ. Eccl. 5:1–-6. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’'s voice is known by multitude of words. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
Ps. 139:23–-24. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
ⓤ. Ps. 123:1–-2. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Ps. 42:5, 8. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.…… Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
Ps. 43:3–-5. O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
ⓦ. 2 Chron. 30:18–-19. For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
ⓧ. 2 Cor. 7:11. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
1 Chron. 15:12–-14. And [David] said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God
of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.
Q. 176. Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’'s Supper agree?
A. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’'s Supper agree, in that the author of both is God;ⓨ the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits;ⓩ both are seals of the same covenant,ⓐ are to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel, and by none other;ⓑ and to be continued in the church of Christ until his second coming.ⓒ
ⓨ. Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
1 Cor. 11:23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread.
ⓩ. Rom. 6:3–-4. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Cor. 10:16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
ⓐ. Rom. 4:11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.
Compared with Col. 2:12. …… buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Matt. 26:27–-28. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
ⓑ. John 1:33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
1 Cor. 11:23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread.
1 Cor. 4:1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Heb. 5:4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
ⓒ. Matt. 28:19–-20. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1 Cor. 11:26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’'s death till he come.
Q. 177. Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’'s Supper differ?
A. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’'s Supper differ, in that baptism is to be administered but once, with water, to be a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ,ⓓ and that even to infants;ⓔ whereas the Lord’'s Supper is to be administered often, in the elements of bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual nourishment to the soul,ⓕ and to confirm our continuance and growth in him,ⓖ and that only to such as are of years and ability to examine themselves.ⓗ
ⓓ. Matt. 3:11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
Titus 3:5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Gal. 3:27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
ⓔ. Gen. 17:7, 9. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.…… And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
Acts 2:38–-39. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
1 Cor. 7:14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
ⓕ. 1 Cor. 11:23–-26. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’'s death till he come.
ⓖ. 1 Cor. 10:16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
ⓗ. 1 Cor. 11:28–-29. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’'s body.
Q. 178. What is prayer?
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God,ⓘ in the name of Christ,ⓚ by the help of his Spirit;ⓛ with confession of our sins,ⓜ and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.ⓝ
ⓘ. Ps. 10:17. LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.
Ps. 62:8. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Matt. 7:7–-8. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened.
ⓚ. John 16:23. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
ⓛ. Rom. 8:26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
ⓜ. Ps. 32:5–-6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. See Dan. 9:4–-19.
ⓝ. Phil. 4:6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Ps. 103:1–-5. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’'s. See Ps. 136.
Q. 179. Are we to pray unto God only?
A. God only being able to search the hearts,ⓞ hear the requests,ⓟ pardon the sins,ⓠ and fulfill the desires of all;ⓡ and only to be believed in,ⓢ and worshiped with religious worship;ⓣ prayer, which is a special part thereof,ⓤ is to be made by all to him alone,ⓦ and to none other.ⓧ
ⓞ. 1 Kings 8:39. Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) ……
Acts 1:24. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.
Rom. 8:27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
ⓟ. Ps. 65:2. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
ⓠ. Mic. 7:18. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
ⓡ. Ps. 145:18. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
ⓢ. Rom. 10:14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
ⓣ. Matt. 4:10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
ⓤ. 1 Cor. 1:2. …… unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours ……
ⓦ. Isa. 45:22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Matt. 6:9. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Ps. 50:15. And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
ⓧ. Isa. 43:11. I, even I, am the LORD and beside me there is no saviour.
Isa. 46:9. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me (see entire chapter).
Q. 180. What is it to pray in the name of Christ?
A. To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake;ⓨ not by bare mentioning of his name,ⓩ but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation.ⓐ
ⓨ. John 14:13–-14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 16:24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Dan. 9:17. Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’'s sake.
ⓩ. Matt. 7:21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
ⓐ. Heb. 4:14–-16. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1 John 5:13–-15. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.