I couldn't find a place on the Puritan Board that focused specifically on sacramental theology, so I hope this general theology forum is acceptable.
Greetings Fathers and Brothers!
As I study the Reformed view on the sacraments (specifically the Westminster view) I'm struggling to grasp something. According to the Westminster, the "papal sacrifice of the mass" is to be rejected. If what is being rejected here is the notion that the Eucharist is a new sacrifice in which Jesus is crucified anew and which propitiates for new (venial) sins committed between celebrations, then I whole heartedly agree.
But has the Reformed tradition gone too far in totally rejecting all sacrificial language from the Eucharist? The Westminster confirms that in the Lord's Supper we participate in the body and blood of Jesus. Isn't this a participation in the offering and sacrifice of Christ once for all? All of us would certainly agree that Jesus is our Passover Lamb and that in the Lord's Supper we find a connection (or a fulfillment?) of all the OT sacrifices.
So in rejecting the Romish errors, cannot we keep anything of sacrificial language and thought in the celebration of the Lord's Supper?
Thanks
Greetings Fathers and Brothers!
As I study the Reformed view on the sacraments (specifically the Westminster view) I'm struggling to grasp something. According to the Westminster, the "papal sacrifice of the mass" is to be rejected. If what is being rejected here is the notion that the Eucharist is a new sacrifice in which Jesus is crucified anew and which propitiates for new (venial) sins committed between celebrations, then I whole heartedly agree.
But has the Reformed tradition gone too far in totally rejecting all sacrificial language from the Eucharist? The Westminster confirms that in the Lord's Supper we participate in the body and blood of Jesus. Isn't this a participation in the offering and sacrifice of Christ once for all? All of us would certainly agree that Jesus is our Passover Lamb and that in the Lord's Supper we find a connection (or a fulfillment?) of all the OT sacrifices.
So in rejecting the Romish errors, cannot we keep anything of sacrificial language and thought in the celebration of the Lord's Supper?
Thanks