
The Glorious Law-Giver, and the Obedient Subject: Being the Substance of a Sermon, on the Duty of All Believers to Commemorate the Death of the Redeemer, in the Lord's Supper. Intending to Set Forth the Authority of Christ; the Nature of the Ordinance; and a Description of the Persons Who Have a Right to Partake of the Same.
Written by J. (John) Church
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in The Glorious Law-Giver, and the Obedient Subject: Being the Substance of a Sermon, on the Duty of All Believers to Commemorate the Death of the Redeemer, in the Lord's Supper. Intending to Set Forth the Authority of Christ; the Nature of the Ordinance; and a Description of the Persons Who Have a Right to Partake of the Same., written by Chaptra AI.
- about 6 hours
- advanced
- didactic
- reverent
- solemn
J. Church's "The Glorious Law-Giver, and the Obedient Subject" is an early 19th-century sermon that meticulously expounds upon the theological significance of the Lord's Supper. It establishes Jesus Christ as the supreme 'Law-Giver' and authoritative head of the Church, detailing His threefold office as Prophet, Priest, and King. The sermon clarifies the nature of Holy Communion as a profound act of remembrance and communion with Christ, rather than a mere ritual. Church systematically outlines the qualifications for lawful participation, directly addressing and assuaging believers' doubts regarding their unworthiness by emphasizing that true readiness stems from an acknowledgment of one's inherent need for Christ's sacrifice.
“The Lord's Supper is not mere ritual but an integral communion with Christ, meant to remind participants of His suffering and sacrifice.”
Key themes
- The Authority of Christ
- This is the foundational theme, establishing Christ as the supreme 'Law-Giver' whose commands, including the Lord's Supper, are divinely authoritative. Church details Christ's authority through His threefold office as Prophet (revealing truth), Priest (offering salvation), and King (ruling His church). This authority mandates obedience and gives the sacrament its sacred weight.
- Sacramental Theology and Meaning
- The sermon meticulously defines the nature and purpose of the Lord's Supper. It moves beyond a superficial understanding, portraying it as a profound act of commemoration of Christ's sacrifice, a means of spiritual communion with Him, and a renewal of the covenant between God and the believer. It emphasizes the internal spiritual reality over external ritual.
- Spiritual Readiness and Unworthiness
- A significant pastoral concern addressed is the believer's fear of unworthiness to partake in the Lord's Supper. Church reassures his audience that true readiness does not come from personal perfection but from a humble recognition of one's sin and a sincere need for Christ's grace. He encourages believers not to let doubts deter them, emphasizing that the Supper is for the 'needy,' not the 'perfect.'
Worth discussing
How does J. Church establish Christ's authority as the 'Glorious Law-Giver,' and why is this foundational to understanding the Lord's Supper?
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