Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on the Lord's Supper: Questions and Answers

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the two main sacraments recognized in Protestant churches?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, there are only two sacraments recognized in the Protestant church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. He states early in the sermon, "You remember that in dealing with what are called the sacraments in general, we reminded ourselves that there are but two that are recognized in the protestant church in general, baptism and the Lord's supper."

What is the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that transubstantiation is the belief that "as the result of the action of the priest, that the very bread is changed literally into the body of the Lord Jesus Christ." He notes that this doctrine began appearing in the Middle Ages but wasn't officially defined until the 12th century. He explains that Catholics distinguish between the "substance" of the bread which they believe changes into Christ's body, and the "accidents" (appearance, texture, taste) which remain unchanged.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones refute the Catholic interpretation of "This is my body"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers two main rebuttals to the Catholic literal interpretation of "This is my body": 1. Christ was physically present when He said these words: "There was our Lord standing in his body. How could he therefore mean that that bread there in front of him was actually his body?" 2. Jesus also said, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood," and Lloyd-Jones argues: "if they insist upon the is in the one case, they must insist upon it in the other. And therefore say that the wine doesn't matter at all, it's the cup that matters."

What are the main things signified by the Lord's Supper according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Lord's Supper signifies: 1. The Lord's death - "as often as y eat this bread and drink this cup, you do show proclaim the Lord's death till he come" 2. The believer's participation in the crucified Christ - our union with Him and participation in His death 3. Our participation in all the benefits of the new covenant 4. That believers receive life and strength from Christ Himself 5. The union of believers with one another - "we, being many, are one bread and one body"

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean when he says the Lord's Supper "seals" things to believers?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Lord's Supper not only signifies or represents spiritual truths but also "seals" them to believers. By this, he means it confirms and assures believers of the benefits of Christ's death. He says, "When we come to the communion table...God is telling us that we are participators in the benefits of this new covenant. It seals them all to us." He compares it to "handing me a document with a seal on it" or a wedding ring that assures the wearer of their spouse's love.

Who should partake of the Lord's Supper according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that only believers should partake of the Lord's Supper. He emphasizes that faith is essential: "There is no value in eating the bread and drinking the wine if you don't do so in faith." He clarifies that this includes weak believers and repentant sinners, sharing a story about Rabbi Duncan telling a weeping, repentant woman to take communion because "He died for sinners." However, he warns against those who are "living in sin and who are not repentant" participating in communion.

Does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe there is special grace given in the Lord's Supper?

No, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explicitly states that the Lord's Supper "does nothing more than the word does" and "There is no new or additional grace given in the Lord's supper." He explains that what it does is "add to the effectiveness of the word" and "add to our receiving of the grace." He uses the illustration of a man putting a ring on his fiancée's finger - the man doesn't love her more at that moment, but the action intensifies and makes more effective the love that was already there.

What consequences does Dr. Lloyd-Jones warn about for those who take communion unworthily?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that those who take communion unworthily without examining themselves may face divine chastisement. He references Paul's words that "many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep" because they wouldn't judge themselves. He explains this means some became physically weak, others became ill, and some even died as God's chastisement - not that they were lost eternally, but that God was disciplining them to prevent them from being "condemned with the world."