Question 177. How do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ?

 

Question 177. How do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ?

Answer. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ in this, that Baptism is administered with water, to be a sign and pledge of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ, and is only administered to infants; whereas the Lord's Supper is administered often with bread and wine, to signify and represent Christ, the spiritual food of the soul, and to confirm our continual abiding and growing in him; and is only administered to those who are of age and ability to examine themselves.

The difference between baptism and the Eucharist is in the covenant. Baptism is a ceremony to enter into the new covenant by signing the new covenant, and the Eucharist is a ceremony for the saints in the new covenant to remember the covenant and give thanks.

The doctrine states that both are the seal of the same covenant, and baptism can be seen as the seal of the covenant, but since the Eucharist has already been sealed, there is no need to seal it again. Then, the question arises as to whether a seal is stamped every time the Eucharist is held. Sealing is the same as stamping a contract. The Eucharist confirms the sealing and makes us feel glad and thankful for having become God's people. Therefore, baptism is a one-time ritual, and the Eucharist is done with a grateful heart, so it can be continued regardless of the number of times.

According to the doctrine, the Eucharist is “to signify and represent Christ, the spiritual food of the soul, and to confirm that we continue to dwell and grow in Him.” The state of spiritual growth is not something that believers can confirm, but is done by God. The purpose of salvation is not spiritual growth, but the spirit becoming alive. When the dead spirit becomes alive, the identity of the believer changes, and the mind of the flesh is transformed into the mind of the spirit.

So, a spiritual war takes place in the believer's heart. The ability of the spiritual mind to judge the fleshly mind is achieved through spiritual growth. A spiritual battle can only be won if God fights in front. Therefore, spiritual growth is not something that can be achieved only through the Eucharist, but can be known by always receiving the illumination of the Holy Spirit in one's life.

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