The Sacraments

This much is clear: baptism with water and the imparting of the gift of the Holy Spirit are closely linked. But how? Concerning this, the New Testament provides several answers at once. And they do not always fit together.

Whether it is considered a rite, a sacrament, or merely a side effect of baptism, the churches have very different ways of understanding how a Christian receives the Holy Spirit. And this diversity of perspectives has a tradition that goes back nearly 2,000 years.

What distinguishes the New Apostolic doctrine from that of other faiths? This question and others like it come up time and again. Depending on the context, the answer to this question can be longer or shorter. But most often it involves one key concept: Holy Sealing.

A menu in twenty courses—that’s what the nac.today series on the history and theology of Holy Communion has served up. Following is an overview of what has been covered—before we move on to Holy Sealing.

For whom did Jesus Christ die? For us? For many? Or for all? This question has resulted in a small but significant change in the consecration formula for Holy Communion. The answer has been well researched.

When it comes to its understanding of Holy Communion, the New Apostolic Church is still fairly close to its Catholic Apostolic roots. But it has been quite a journey to get there. Following is an outline of the route.

Let each celebrate Communion in their own way? The leap over the church fence is still rather difficult, but there is substantial common ground. This is outlined by the words of consecration and explained by the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church.

Some call it the Eucharist, others the Lord’s Supper. For some it is ministers acting in Christ’s stead, for others it is the universal priesthood. For some it is a transformation, for others the body and blood of Christ are joined to the substance. Here it is Christ, there it is a symbol. Although Holy Communion is celebrated in all churches, it is celebrated differently everywhere.

Taking a seat at the Lord’s table—that can involve a lot of hurdles: all Christian churches attach conditions to participation in Holy Communion. Anyone who decides to visit another denomination can easily get tangled up.

Now that we have answered the what, how, where, and when, we still have to ask the question of who: who is permitted to dispense Holy Communion? And this time, the Christian churches actually all seem to have very similar answers—albeit with differing justifications.

When is the table of the Lord prepared? And how often should believers come to the table? In the past and present of the various denominations, the gamut of when to partake in the Lord’s Supper runs from once a day to once a year—let’s take a tour through some of the churches.

What is the real focus of the congregation when celebrating Holy Communion? Fellowship with Christ, or fellowship with one another? The answer is reflected in the manner in which the believers gather for the sacrament and receive the elements.