Lecture Notes for Session #4 – Thursday, July 29, 2021

Things to look for in tonight’s lecture

(Your essay exam questions will be based on these areas)

1. Understanding the narrow and more specific definition of a Sacrament.

(Chapter 16)

2. Understanding the basic definitions of Holy Baptism and Holy

Communion (Chapter 16)

3. Understanding the reality and benefits of Holy Baptism (Chapter 17)

4. Understanding the reality and benefits of Holy Communion along with

self-examination and worthiness to receive this Sacrament (Chapter 18)

5. Understanding the role of prayer and the expectations of God’s

answers to prayer (Chapter 19)

Chapter 16: The Means of Grace

Defined: The ways grace is delivered to and received by individuals.

 Grace. God’s Riches (forgiveness of sins, power over death and
eternal life) At Christ’s Expense (His perfect suffering, death, and
resurrection).

They are the application of Christ’s work.

The means of Grace are justification applied to the lives of individual

Christians.

These are the ways we know for sure we have salvation.

See Page 313 and the role of the Lutheran Confessions

Discussion Question 4.1: After your reading about “the means of grace,”
explain what the most vital means is and then describe how that means
is related to the sacraments.

Narrow and more specific definition of Sacrament:

 A Means of Grace that is:
• Sacred act
• Commanded or instituted by Jesus Christ
• Word of God is combined with an physical or visible element: Water,
Bread, Wine/Cup

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 • To convey or assure forgiveness of sins, power over death, and
eternal life.
It is given to you, not self-serving.

The two Sacraments that qualify under this narrow and specific
definition of Sacrament:
• Holy Baptism
• Holy Communion
The Vital Ingredient in the means of grace is the Word of God as expressed with
the Gospel (Show us our Savior) known only through Scripture (The Bible). It is
the power of God for salvation.

Presence of God: Veiled to Vivid to Tangible.

Confession of Sins and Holy Absolution

PREPARATION FOR CONFESSION OF SINS

P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom
no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the power of Your Holy
Spirit, that we may more repentantly express our love for You and worthily
magnify Your holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Moment of silence to meditate on the sins not brought before the Lord, using the
following to guide your reflection: Considering the 10 Commandments think
about your callings in life: spouse, parent, child, student, employer/employee,
church member, etc.
• Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy?
• Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome?
• Have you hurt someone with your words and deeds?
• Have your thoughts, words or deeds revealed lust or greed?
• Have you stolen, been negligent, or wasted anything?

CONFESSION OF SINS
P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. (Turn to face altar) Most
merciful Lord….
C: We confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned
against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by
what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your
present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may

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delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy
Name. Amen.

HOLY ABSOLUTION
P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake
forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of
Christ, and by his authority, speaking on His behalf do, I, therefore, forgive you
of all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

Discussion Question 4.2: Our textbook seems to suggest that Holy Absolution
is sacramental. What five characteristics or qualities of a “means of grace” can
you connect to a biblical understanding of Absolution?

How might these observations affect your experience in a congregation where a

pastor offers opportunities for “private confession”?

Does the faith of the recipient make the sacraments effective?

No. The means of grace rests solely on the institution and promise of the Lord.
Their validity and effectiveness comes not from the recipient but from the giver.
(The Lord)

Wider definition of Sacrament as used in the Roman Catholic Church:

• Confirmation (Public Confession of faith)
• Penance
• Marriage
• Holy Orders (Ordination)
• Extreme Unction (Last Rites near death or of the dead, anointing of the
sick)

Why are these NOT considered Sacraments in the narrow and specific
sense?
No command to do so and/or no promise of forgiveness of sins, power over death
and/or eternal life.

Prayer is not considered a Sacrament…

• It is commanded by God BUT
• Prayer is something we do because we have faith, not an act we do to
obtain or even be assured of faith.

Chapter 17: Holy Baptism

Baptism without the word “holy” merely means…sprinkle, pour, or

immerse.
 

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Holy Baptism is the means of grace that brings saving faith to an individual
through their contact with water and the Word of God. It is rebirth of an
individual, born with sin, reborn with Christ to save them from sin, and give them
power over death, and eternal life in Heaven.
 
Holy Baptism = Word of God + Water

Human views of Baptism

 Ceremonial washing…Hindus in the Ganges river. Muslims before praying.
Certainly practiced throughout the OT.
 Some Christians share in this above view. Baptism is merely symbolic, done
to welcome the birth of a child or as a merely an ordinance to do after one
makes a decision for Christ.
 None of these views see Baptism as powerful or real in a Sacramental
sense.
 See Matthew 3 on John’s symbolic baptism done to point to Jesus. Then the
reason for Jesus’ baptism.

When did Christ institute baptism?

Matthew 28:18-20. See context. After resurrection and before His Ascension.
Worship service for Jesus.

Discussion Question 4.3: What are five blessings associated with

baptism? Give at least one Bible verse which would support each of the
blessings you note.

Why is the word of God essential to baptism?

It wouldn’t be Holy Baptism without it. It would merely be a baptism. Not just
any Word of God, but the proper names of the persons of God.
 
Is all water equal?
Yes
 
Why have Christians employed a number of different methods to
baptize?
To enhance the experience.

Who is to be baptized?
Everyone. Look at Matthew 28: all (pas in the Greek). Luke 18:15-17
 
Infants and children: We teach from Holy Baptism (Four Shellenberger girls)
(Parents and gift box)
 

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Adults: We teach toward Holy Baptism (Firehose idea) Because adults possess
more of the knowledge and life experience to reject. Acts 8 is descriptive. While
not commanded to do so…it certainly is wise to do so. 65 year old.)
 
Note the goal in Matthew 28 is not to create converts (that is certainly
done) but to make Disciples. How can you make a disciple without
teaching them God’s Word.
 
Errant Views:
• Mechanical (Treats like magic)
• Only forgives inherited sins (some Catholics) (First step toward Salvation)
• Only an Ordinance…no sacramental power (some Baptists and Evangelicals)
• Repeated after repentance (Fall away…come back by being baptized)
• Baptized into a denomination (Baptized Catholic or Lutheran or Methodist…
etc. Baptized into Christ)

See Rite of Holy Baptism bulletins…Infant and Adults

Why is it customary and helpful for the pastor to administer baptism?
 1 Corinthians 14:40…to keep peace and order in the church.

How do we live in our baptism?

Baptism is not the end but the beginning of our forever faithlife in Christ. We are
taught form the Word of God to live changed lives. This means we incorporate
worship, Bible Study and daily prayer and devotions into our lives.

Chapter 18: The Lord’s Supper

Titles this Sacrament is known by:

• The Lord’s Supper (Sacramental meal with God and each other)
• Holy Communion (Coming into union)
• Sacrament of the Altar (As opposed to Baptism)
• The Lord’s Table (Done from the altar or at a Communion rail)
• The Eucharist (Thanksgiving or good blessing or gift)
• Breaking of the Bread (Acts 2:42…used by the Apostles)
• New Covenant (Fulfillment of the Covenant first made in the OT)

Please look at page 348…see how Old Testament Symbols have become NT
Realities

Words of  Institution: God’s Word spoken over specific bread and wine to also
have them become Christ’s Body and Blood.

Taken from Mathew 26:26-29, Mark 14: 22-24, Luke 22:19-20 and 1 Corinthians
11:23-25:

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Our Lord Jesus on the night on which He was betrayed took bread, and
when he had given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them saying, “This
is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, and when He had
given thanks He said: “Take and drink, this cup is the new testament of
my blood shed for you for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you
drink it, in remembrance of me.”

In Holy Communion:
• Christ’s Body = Word of God + Bread
(Leaven or unleavened)
• Christ’s Blood = Word of God + Cup
(Fruit of the Vine/Wine-
Alcoholic nor Non-alcoholic)
 
You are NOT eating Jesus’ Flesh. That is a different word in the original Greek
text. Soma is body.
• You are not eating Jesus Jerky (We are not Cannibals.)

Nor you are drinking human blood. (We are not vampires).  

This is not a metaphysical, chemical, or philosophical formulation.

 Metaphysical: His presence is not merely spiritual
 Chemical: There is no chemical change in the bread or wine with the Word
of God being spoken over it to ALSO become His Body and Blood.
 Philosophical: Transubstantiation…bread and wine cease to exist anymore
because the substance has been transformed to a different substance, or
loses its breadness or wineness.

Benefits received from eating and drinking in Holy Communion: (For

those who have faith in Christ)
(1) Assurance you have forgiveness of all of your sins
(2) Assurance you have the power over death
(3) Assurance you have eternal life in Heaven
(4) Strengthened faith
(5) Unity with your fellow brother and sister in Christ who shares you same
confession of faith.

Describe the elements used in Holy Communion.

 Bread…either Leaven or Unleavened. At Passover unleavened but in 1
Corinthians 11…probably leaven.
• Roman Catholics: unleavened
• Greek Orthodox: Leaven.

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 • Lutherans: Doesn’t matter. And it can be wheat or not.

 Cup: Fruit of the Vine…best understood as wine. Not grape juice. Nothing
in the text indicates anything other than wine. (1 Corinthians 11:20-21…
getting drunk on wine) It does not have to be red wine although visually it
does look more like human blood.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17…relation to show it is still bread and wine but also body
and blood. It is now consecrated bread and consecrated wine (Consecrate: Set
aside for a holy purpose)

Explain Luther’s phrase, Christ’s Body and Blood are “in, with, and
under” the bread and the cup.
It is done so people don’t try to explain away Christ’s presence. It locks down the
function of the Word in relation to the bread and cup.
The body and blood are:
• IN the bread and wine, meaning integrated or mixed
• WITH the bread and wine, meaning joined but still four distinct elements
• UNDER the bread and wine, meaning its power is hidden and God’s Word
is predominant force or ingredient that makes the bread Christ’s body and
the cup Christ’s blood and therefore delivers its promises.

Real Presence is understood as vivid, specific, and tangible.

 Yes, God is present everywhere (Omnipresent) but is present in the
sacrament in a special way.
o It’s the difference between thinking of families (God in nature,
conscience),
o thinking of your family (Faith in Christ),
o seeing your family on Facetime or talking to over the phone (reading
the Bible),
o being with your family in person (Hymns, Liturgy, Bible readings
and Sermon in worship),
o and hugging a family member (Holy Communion).

Discussion Question 4.4: Some theologians speak of “the sacramental

union” of the communion elements in reference to the Lord’s Supper.
What biblical evidence is there for such a viewpoint?

Why would some denominations not accept the teaching of the “real
presence” as the Bible presents it?

Vertical and Horizontal Aspects of the Lord’s Supper

 Vertical is Christ’s assurance of Forgiveness of sins, power over death and
eternal life.

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  Horizontal involves being in true fellowship with each other as we are
united by our confession of faith. (Rail communion as opposed to individual
continuous)

Self-Examination before receiving the Sacrament

• Is Christ present if a communicant has no faith?
• Yes, objective reality. BUT like watching an ellipse with no glasses. It
can condemn like watching an ellipse with no glasses can cause
blindness.

See 1 Corinthians 11:27-FF

MOMENT OF EXAMINATION: Preparation questions to reflect on silently before

coming to Holy Communion so you may receive the Sacrament of the Altar in
faith and in a worthy manner. (Based on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34)

(1) In the Words of Institution, do you believe that the Word of God is being
joined to the bread to be consecrated as Christ’s real body?

(2) In the Words of Institution, do you believe that the Word of God is being
joined to the Cup to be consecrated as Christ’s true blood?

(3) Do you believe that in the eating and drinking of Christ’s body and blood that
you receive the assurance of forgiveness of sins, power over eternal death, and
everlasting life?

(4) Do you admit you are a sinner and desire to receive this sacrament for the
strengthening of your faith in Christ?

God welcomes people with faith in Christ whose confession holds to this reality of
the Sacrament.

MOMENT OF EXAMINATION (Alternative questions)

(1) Do you believe that you are a sinner? If you say, “yes,” then you realize why
our Heavenly Father had to send His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you,
and now gives you Christ’s true body and real blood in this sacrament.

(2) How do you know you are a sinner? If you say, “From the 10
Commandments, which I have not kept,” then you understand through the Holy
Bible our Lord’s basis for determining your sins and the reason why we have the
Lord’s Supper.

(3) Are you sorry for your sins? If you say, “Yes I am sorry that I have sinned
against God,” then you accept that Holy Communion is for the assurance of God’s
gracious and merciful forgiveness to you in Christ Jesus.

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(Adapted from “Christian Questions and Their Answers,” a part of a 1551 version
of Luther’s Small Catechism)

God welcomes struggling sinners (See Romans 7). He does not welcome
unrepentant sinners.

How do many Protestants explain Communion symbolically?

Memorial Meal to remember the occasion of the Maundy Thursday. They
symbolize a heavenly reality. BUT do not convey forgiveness of sins, power over
death or eternal life. It’s like fireworks help us remember our Independence from
England when it was declared on July 4, 1776.

Bread and wine have no special abilities to convey anything. They are symbolic
like a wedding ring represents a marriage but is not the marriage.

What was John Calvin’s understanding of how Christ is present in

Communion?
The finite human nature could not possess the fullness of Christ’s divinity. (In
fact we don’t believe that…. The divine overshadows the human nature.)
 
Calvin says the finite is incapable of the infinite. But nowhere is Scripture is that
state.

So in this view bread and wine are present but the eating and drinking of them
reaches up to Heaven where Jesus is. Platonic philosophy where soul can receive
heavenly things but the body can only receive earthly elements.

The Bible normally does not distinguish between physical and spiritual realities.
They are often comingled…unless stated otherwise. Here the Bible does not state
otherwise.

Chapter 19: Prayer

See Prayer Booklet from Project Connect

Prayer: In our sanctified life, it is an act of exercising faith in Christ where we

simply communicate with God who loves us and invites us to speak to Him.
(Romans 10:14) This is something we participate in and originate.

Who is the only proper object of prayer?

 The One Lord God in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit praying in the Name of
Jesus. (John 14:6). All other gods to whom prayers are offered are not
heard, and therefore aren’t really prayers.

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  We are specific who we pray to because of what God’s Word says about
Himself and the acts of prayer.  
 We address God using the names, functions, titles, and purposes laid out in
Scripture. (See bulletin. The Collect).

How do Christians testify to the mediation of Christ in prayer?

By praying in Jesus’ Name.

What does it mean when some people claim to “pray through saints”?
People are asking the saints to intercede on their behalf. They are not expecting
the saints to answer their prayers. No Biblical description or prescription of this
act.
 
How are faith and prayer related?
Faith is needed in order for God to listen to pray. He hears “others” prayers but
does not respond anymore than a parent listens their own child different than
hearing the word of someone not their child.

Forms or ways to Pray: ACTS model

Adoring: Acknowledging an attribute of God like creation, redemption, healing,

forgiveness, His knowledge, power or presence. The act of Jesus life, teachings,
suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, etc.  
Confession of sins: Bringing them before the Lord in prayer
Thanksgiving: Thanking Him for what He has given us in this life. Or thanking
Him for answering our prayer even if we didn’t get what we wanted. If we don’t
thank God for what He has given us…then what are the chances we will ask Him
for more.
Supplication: Asking God for things in our life, spiritual (Forgiveness of us or to
forgive others, stronger faith, better understanding of Scripture, etc) or physical
blessings (body, mind, finances, home, health, job, school) Praying on behalf of
others: Your family illnesses, people affected by natural disasters, your Church,
town, state, elected officials, police, fire, EMTs, pastors, teachers. Etc.

Often the answers to our prayers come in better understanding God’s

Word as applied to our everyday life. See Nehemiah 1

What distinction is made in the manner of requesting spiritual or

physical things?
 Spiritual blessings like forgiveness of sins, and strengthen faith are always
answered yes. But physical blessings are answered according to His will.
 Prayer does not manipulate God into giving us what we want. God will not
and does not grant our every request. That does not mean He does not
love us but want us to live according to His will.

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We ask according to God’s will…meaning that He knows us or the situation
better than us (because He is infinite) so whatever answer He gives is better than
what we requested, even if it doesn’t look like it at the time. Monet painting.

How may God answer our prayers?

God always answers prayers, even if it isn’t the answer we were expecting.
Exercising our faith (or trusting in Him) means He knows better than me.

“Yes,” “No,” “Not yet,” or in a different way.

See Genesis 18:22-33 Genesis 19:12-15.

Prayer is as much about God changing our mind as for Him to grant our
request.
• He may be teaching us patience or humility, or how to love better, or
forgive more, or get us to focus on what’s important (fell off the
roof).
• Praying for all people to be healed or world peace is good, but won’t
be fully granted until the life to come. Even enemies will be friends in
Heaven. All sin will not end until the End. (Bob Harris and my dad)
• No may happen because we are asking with wrong motive (kill my
neighbor). 
• Or sometimes God does answer but we aren’t listening (WQFL
Commercial on God’s will). We may participate in the answers to our
prayers (New Job. God provides the means but we need to act)
• Or for some reason it is not part of the will of God: God the Father
said no to Jesus. See Matthew 26:36-46. Now careful here: It was not
God’s will that my dad die from cancer. It was His will no one die. But why
he allowed it is the real question.
• See Matthew 7:7-8

Discussion Question 4.5. Prayer is sometimes (incorrectly) identified as a

“means of grace.” How can such a misunderstanding be corrected using
a biblical view of prayer?

In what four ways do we have “an amazing freedom in prayer”?

God does not command that the prayer be done in some form or fashion or even
location or even body posture. We can pray out loud, silent, at home, at church
and in the car, any time 24/7. We can use written prayer and take them as our
own.

Take Home Exam

Emailed to you by 10:30pm on Thursday, July 29
Due Saturday, July 31 at 11:59pm

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Doctrinal Paper (25% of your grade. 20% on paper and 5% on
presentation)
• 8-10 pages long
• Due NEXT Thursday at 6pm. Late papers will face grading penalties
• Instructions are on pages 15-18 of the Student Module
• Ask a theological question
• Provide answer as a thesis
• Build paper off of thesis
• Use Bible and other sources
• Draw conclusions
• Complete Discussion 5.1 and Discussion 5.2 in the Learning Management
System online.
• Read chapters 20-22 in Called to Believe, Teach, and Confess
Topics: The Church, Priesthood and Ministry, Church Discipline, Christians in
Society: Two Kingdoms and Vocation, along with Marriage and Family
• Written Homework: At the beginning of the class session, submit typed
answers to the following five questions—some of these are adapted from
your Reader’s Guide. Also submit this assignment in the proper Session in
the Learning Management System.

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