THE LORD’S SUPPER
2004-2005
LESSON NINE
Concerning the arguments of the adversaries.
A. Have been examining passages where dogma clearly taught and repeated.
1. We know we can rely upon this certain and firm foundation.
2. Even if we, personally, not able to extricate from sharp argumentation of others.
3. Fulgentius: “For not all who are members of Christ can defend what they believe by the art of rebuttal.” (quoted, p. 195)
4. Per Justin: Faith is the surest solution to all objections that are raised, faith which leans on the clear divine voice.
B. But, we can not ignore the arguments and objections of the adversaries.
1. 1Ti 6:20,21.
2. Adversaries do not build their arguments upon passages in which the dogma is expressly taught and repeated.
3. We will only ask if their argument compels us to abandon the natural meanings.
4. We will divide their arguments into categories and general headings.
II. Chapter XII A.
The arguments from the physical properties, that is, the measurements, circumscription, and localization of a true and finite human body.
A. This is the foundation of all their arguments.
1. Human reason only grasps.
a. Symmetry of proportions.
b. Certain position of body’s parts and members.
c. Being circumscribed to one particular place.
d. Inability to be truly and substantially present in many different places.
2. Scripture does affirm that the Son of God according to His human nature has been made like unto His brethren in all respects except for sin.
B. But His substantial presence in the Supper.
1. Does not come about by the common and usual mode of nature.
2. Nor by natural power and human reason.
3. But by divine power and heavenly reason.
C. Their argument requires that not even with divine power can a true human body, while retaining the integrity of human nature, be in many different places at the same time.
1. Requires that Scripture attest to this.
2. Yet, no passage establishes such against His omnipotence.
3. Eph 3:20 (Greek:huperekperissou = superabundantly).
1. Are not the very substance of human nature.
2. Are properties which are consequent upon the fact that the substance is physical.
3. Are “accidents”.
4. Who can say they apply against His omnipotence?
5. Yet the adversaries say “Its impossible!”
1. Is not founded on divine omnipotence.
2. Is founded on words of institution.
3. His omnipotence only argued due to their objection.
4. Lk 1:37.
5. Ro 4:20,21.
F. We believe and confess.
1. The Son of God assumed the true and complete substance of human nature.
2. Along with those essential properties which belong to the substance of human nature and derive from it.
3. He has retained this substance with its essential properties even after the resurrection, when He laid aside the weaknesses.
4. He retains it true and unimpaired also in glory.
5. Luther, Augustine, and scholastics felt that His body even now in glory is seen in heaven by the angels and saints in that circumscribed form in which He showed Himself to Paul and Stephen, in which He also will return to judgment.
6. So, how do we retain the natural meanings of His testament?
7. Did His human nature receive absolutely nothing as a result of the hypostatic union with the divine nature?
G. Does Christ’s human nature do nothing beyond its natural or essential properties?
1. Ps 45:7.
2. Ac 10:38.
3. Jn 3:34-36.
4. Jn 5:26,27.
5. Jn 13:3.
6. Mt 28:18.
7. Heb 2:8.
H. The human nature in Christ.
1. Not only has its own natural or essential properties.
2. But beside them, as a result of hypostatic union, has received innumerable prerogatives which exceed or surpass every name and every condition and all the essential or natural characteristics of our nature in infinite ways.
3. Ac 20:28.
4. Eph 1:7.
5. Lk 6:19.
6. Jn 20:19
7. Lk 24:31
I. We do not rely on bare dialectics without an express word of God.
1. “This is My body…”.
2. Eph 1:20-23.
3. Let the Word of God be the judge on this as well.
4. This is a matter of utmost importance:
a. His Last Will.
b. The infinite omnipotence of God.
c. The high exaltation of Christ’s human nature.
5. Should be considered in the fear of God, with reverence and concern.
6. We should fear calling His a liar!
J. In fact, natural meaning more strongly confirmed by:
1. The article of the infinite omnipotence of God.
2. And by the sublime excellence with which His human nature, far beyond its natural properties, has been adorned and exalted above every name.
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