The Lord's Presence In The Lord's Supper

This sermon explores the Reformed understanding of Christ's presence in communion. Beginning with Matthew 26:17-29 and drawing from the Heidelberg Catechism (Lord's Day 29), Dr. Mark Beach explains that sacraments are not magical rituals but divinely appointed supports that strengthen our faith. The sermon carefully distinguishes the Reformed view from both the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation and the purely symbolic memorial view, arguing that through the Holy Spirit's work, believers truly commune "of Christ" and participate in his body and blood spiritually. While Christ's physical body remains in heaven, communion creates a mystical but real union with him that offers assurance, nourishment, and the certainty that we truly belong to Christ. The sermon emphasizes that this spiritual communion is no less miraculous than physical transformation—it's something we experience more than explain, as we are lifted up to where Christ is rather than Christ coming down to us.