Experiencing the Fullness of Grace: Unveiling the New Covenant in Preaching, Teaching, and Sacraments

As a Christian, the promise of the covenant of grace is a powerful anchor in our lives. The Westminster Large Catechism poses a crucial question in its 35th entry: “How is the covenant of grace administered under the New Testament?” The answer emphasizes that “Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s supper; in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fullness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations."

The answer articulates the essence of the New Covenant and challenges us to reflect deeply on how we experience grace in our worship. In what follows, we will explore the meaningful ways the Word (that is, the preaching of Scripture) and sacraments (also called ordinances) strengthen our faith and deepen our understanding of God’s promises.

The Power of Preaching

Preaching is essential to the New Covenant. It breathes life into the Word of God, allowing us to encounter Christ in His full glory. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul states, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” This highlights that preaching is not just a ritual, it is not something we just do for no reason—it is how God delivers His grace.

When a preacher addresses the congregation, the scripture challenges and resonates in our hearts. The New Covenant, facilitated by Christ, ensures that the Gospel is accessible to everyone. No longer is there a distinction between Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, young and old, male and female. All are united to Christ through the gospel. All are invited to come to faith. The Word is to be preached to all.

Teaching for Transformation

Teaching under the New Covenant is critical. It is not enough for the church to hear God’s Word; we must also understand it profoundly. Teaching should inspire transformation. As we study the Scriptures, we can apply God’s wisdom in our daily lives.

Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that God has appointed some as pastors and teachers to equip the saints for ministry work. This role is vital in helping us understand the implications of our faith. Paul is emphasizing the reality that there is no category of Christians that is not part of the local church. While we are to test everything against Scripture, this does not mean that we are to do this alone.

Various teaching formats, such as Sunday school, Bible studies, and small group discussions, enable us to gain deeper insights. Engaging in these settings strengthens our connection with Christ and with one another. Studies have shown that 75% of people who are involved in small group discussions reported a greater understanding of their faith, highlighting the benefits of communal learning.

When all this is combined, weekly worship and various study opportunities throughout the week, the church grows together. Each member of the congregation grows and helps the people around them.

The Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are essential parts of our growth and the administration of the New Covenant. They are not mere rituals but visible tokens of God's grace and love. Each sacrament illustrates key aspects of our faith and serves as a powerful reminder of God’s promises.

Baptism: A Sign of New Life

Baptism signifies the start of a believer’s journey in Christ. It represents the cleansing of sins and the new life received through faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to baptize believers, marking their entry into the covenant community.

This sacrament allows participants to associate themselves with Christ's death and resurrection publicly. As Baptists, we believe in covenantal baptism through immersion. This means that we baptize someone upon a credible profession of faith. The immersion into water connects the believer in a unique way with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. The act of immersion is also a symbolic washing that brings renewal and assurance of grace. It is an ordinance, not just for the individual but for the whole church. In baptism, the church recognizes the new believer as a member of the covenant community and commits to watch over and build up the new believer.

The Lord’s Supper: A Sustenance of Grace

The Lord’s Supper continuously points us back to Christ's sacrifice. In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus told His disciples to partake in this meal in remembrance of Him, linking believers to Christ and to one another.

When we share in the Lord’s Supper, we remember the depth of God's love and the cost of grace. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:26 that when we celebrate the supper, we "Proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." The sacrament provides spiritual nourishment and reinforces our faith. In a way that is not really quantifiable, participating in the supper and baptism grow us in the grace of the Lord. We refer to them as means of grace. When we are not regularly participating in them, we lose something in our relationship with the Lord and with fellow Christians.

Experiencing Grace Together

The communal nature of preaching and the sacraments allows us to experience the fullness of grace collectively. In the Baptist community, gathering reinforces our belief that faith is not an individual journey. Faith is personal but never private. Through shared worship, we celebrate the grace bestowed on each of us, affirming our identities as children of God. When we participate with the church in preaching and the sacraments, we become active partners in the ministry of reconciliation, making God’s promises tangible in our lives. The preaching of the Word, transformative teaching, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper empower us to experience God's grace fully.

Let us joyfully embrace these means of grace. By immersing ourselves in preaching and actively participating in the sacraments, we can unlock deeper aspects of our faith. Together, let’s celebrate the fullness and efficacy of God’s covenant of grace and the transformative power it brings to our lives and communities.

Soli Deo Gloria