Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 8
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:9–10
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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They also cite in the Confutation that the sons of Eli, after the loss of the high-priesthood, were to seek the one part pertaining to the priests (1 Samuel 2:36). They say that this indicates the use of one kind, and add: “Therefore, our laity should be content with that one part offered by the priests, that is, with one kind.” Our opponents are clearly trifling when they apply the story of Eli’s posterity to the Sacrament. Eli’s punishment is described in that narrative. Do they mean to say that the laity is being punished by taking away one kind?
Pulling It Together: Even if we were to allow such a faulty example, we would need to deal with the priesthood of all believers, and that we are all one in Christ (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Galatians 3:28). Lutherans confess that there is no class difference in the Church; all are priests before the Lord. So, let us imagine that, for a time, only one kind was to be allowed to the laity while both kinds permitted for priests. Since all believers are now priests under the new covenant in Christ’s blood, all would therefore receive both kinds. This is a far better analogy from Scripture than the foolish comparison to Eli’s sons.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving me direct access to you and to all of your benefits. Amen
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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