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The sacramental rite itself conveys grace unto the recipient. At the same time it also teaches,
rather inconsistently, it would seem, that the effects of the sacrament may be completely or
partially frustrated by the existence of some obstacle, by the absence of that disposition that
makes the soul capable of receiving grace, or by the priest’s want of intention to do what the
Church does.
b. The prevailing Protestant view.
The prevailing view in the Protestant Churches is, that the
sacrament does not work ex opere operato. It is not itself a cause of grace, but merely an
instrument in the hand of God. Its effective operation is dependent, not only on the presence,
but on the activity, of faith in the recipient. Unbelievers may receive the external elements, but
do not receive the thing signified thereby. Some Lutherans and the High Church Episcopalians,
however, in their desire to maintain the objective character of the sacrament, clearly manifest a
leaning toward the position of the Church of Rome. “We believe, teach, and confess”, says the
Formula of Concord, “that not only true believers in Christ, and such as worthily approach the
Supper of the Lord, but also the unworthy and unbelieving receive the true body and blood of
Christ; in such wise, nevertheless, that they derive thence neither consolation nor life, but
rather so as that receiving turns to their judgment and condemnation, unless they be converted
and repent (I Cor. 11:27,29).[VII. 7.]
H. THE PERSONS FOR WHOM THE LORD’S SUPPER IS INSTITUTED.
1. THE PROPER PARTICIPANTS OF THE SACRAMENT.
In answer to the question, “For whom is
the Lord’s Supper instituted?” the Heidelberg Catechism says: “For those who are truly
displeased with themselves for their sins and yet trust that these are forgiven them for the sake
of Christ, and that their remaining infirmity is covered by His passion and death; who also desire
more and more to strengthen their faith and amend their life.” From these words it appears
that the Lord’s Supper was not instituted for all men indiscriminately, nor even for all those
who have a place in the visible Church of Christ, but only for those who earnestly repent of
their sins, trust that these have been covered by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, and are
desirous to increase their faith, and to grow in true holiness of life. The participants of the
Lord’s Supper must be repentant sinners, who are ready to admit that they are lost in
themselves. They must have a living faith in Jesus Christ, so that they trust for their redemption
in the atoning blood of the Saviour. Furthermore, they must have a proper understanding and
appreciation of the Lord’s Supper, must discern the difference between it and a common meal,
and must be impressed with the fact that the bread and wine are the tokens of the body and
blood of Christ. And, finally, they must have a holy desire for spiritual growth and for ever-
increasing conformity to the image of Christ.