Heidelberg Catechism

Question 78. Are the bread and wine, then, changed into the actual body and blood of Christ?

Answer: No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ, nor is it the washing away of sin itself, but is simply God’s sign and confirmation, (a) so too the bread in the Lord’s supper is not changed into the actual body of Christ, (b) although it is called the body of Christ Jesus (c) in keeping with the nature and language of sacraments. (d) 

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

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Sunday's Hymn: Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed

Alas! and did my Saviour bleed,
And did my Sovereign die!
Would he devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I!

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree!
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker, died
For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While his dear cross appears;
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes in tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
‘Tis all that I can do.

—Isaac Watts

Congregation and choir

Instrumental trio

Red Mountain Church
At the Cross (same words with added refrain)

Other hymns, worship songs, prayers, sermons excerpts, or quotes posted today:

• The Covenant at The Upward Call
• Love Lifted Me at The Happy Wonderer
• Achtliederbuch: The First Wittenberg Hymnal at Theology for Girls
• Make Us Intruments of Your Peace from Trevin Wax
• Your weekly dose of Spurgeon: The power of the Scriptures at Pyromaniacs
• Grace without measure at Tried With Fire

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.

Thankful Thursday

Today I’m thankful

• for one more year of sound mind and sound body.
• for a big meal with the whole family (minus one sick son-in-law).
• that my youngest grandson is a contented baby. It’s a wonderful thing when the youngest of three, all 3-years-old or younger, is an easy baby. I’m also thankful for every one of his pudgy chins.
• for the promise of spring.
• for the prologue to John’s gospel.
• for the three persons of the Trinity, each with their own role in the creation, the incarnation, and the economy of salvation. 

Also thankful today:

• Kim Shay
• Persis
• Staci Eastin

What are you thankful for?