Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

232 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
especially redemption in Christ, the means of grace, and this sacrament
now being observed.
(b) Exultantly and enthusiastically professing that thereis no other name
under heaven by which we can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ, by
whom alone we have received liberty and life, have access to the throne of
grace, are admitted to eat and drink at His own Table, and are sealed up
by His Spirit to an assurance of happiness and eternal life.
(c) Earnestly entreating God, the Father of mercies, to presence
Himself with us in our celebration of the Supper, working effeaually in us
by the Holy Spirit, and so sanctifying the elements both of bread and
wine, and blessing His own ordinance, that we would receive by faith the
body and blood of Jesus Christ, crucified for us.
(d) Further praying to Him that has loved us and given Himself for us,
that we might so feed upon Him, that He may be one with us, and we one
with Him; that He may live in us, and we in Him.
10.2 After prayer and thanksgiving, the minister shall take the bread and,
having broken it, giveit to the people saying,
"The Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which he was betrayed,
took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take,
eat; thisis My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of
Me.'"
The bread may then be distributed, first to the communicants, and then to the
minister(s) and elder(s).
10.3 Having given the bread, the minister shall take the cup and giveit to the
people saying,
"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This
cupis the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in
remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this
cup, you proclaim the Lord's deathtill He comes."
The cup may then be distributed, firstto the communicants, and then to the
minister(s) and elder(s).
11. Afterall have communed, a brief address may be given at the Table, by the
ministering elder, emphasizing the grace of God in Jesus Christ held forth in the
sacrament, and "exhorting them to continue in the faith" (Acts 14:22). The
service may be concluded with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, the receiving of offerings
for the Mercy Fund (or some other benevolent purpose), a suitable Psalm (such as
Psalms 72 and 103), and the Benediction.
CHAPTER 4
Special Ordinances
1. There is no day commanded in Scripture to be kept holy under the gospel
but the Lord's Day, whichis the Christian Sabbath. Nevertheless,it is appropriate