Theology of Worship Part 9: The Sacraments

Act of Worship

The sacred actions of worship are what comprise the totality of the dialogue between God and his people, especially Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These two actions are referred to commonly as sacraments or ordinances. In a symbolic way, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper represent the people who live within the reality of the life of Christ. In a corporeal way, participation in the sacraments ensures a sign and a seal of membership in the family of God. Theological implications of Baptism are vast and many but revolve around the new life that subsists because of one’s salvation. Additionally, one’s Baptism into the family of God allows him or her to participate in the mystical reality that is the Lord’s Table.

The sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist shall be examined here with special attention given to their theological implications. The meaning of Baptism’s application will be considered, and a theological trajectory through three Puritans who offer succinct and precise theologies of the Lord’s Supper will be surveyed—namely Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686 AD), John Owen 1616-1683 AD), and Edward Reynolds (1599-1676 AD).