
The sacred actions of worship are what comprise the totality of the
dialogue between God and his people, especially Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
These two actions are referred to commonly as sacraments or ordinances. In a
symbolic way, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper represent the people who live
within the reality of the life of Christ. In a corporeal way, participation in
the sacraments ensures a sign and a seal of membership in the family of God.
Theological implications of Baptism are vast and many but revolve around the
new life that subsists because of one’s salvation. Additionally, one’s Baptism
into the family of God allows him or her to participate in the mystical reality
that is the Lord’s Table.
The sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist shall be examined here with
special attention given to their theological implications. The meaning of
Baptism’s application will be considered, and a theological trajectory through
three Puritans who offer succinct and precise theologies of the Lord’s Supper
will be surveyed—namely Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686 AD), John Owen 1616-1683
AD), and Edward Reynolds (1599-1676 AD).