About a month ago as I was visiting baptismal candidates with a deacon from the north church, Hollis Francois, and a question arose “What about Sacraments?” I got into an explanation, realizing that many do not use the word in Adventist circles. Our tendency to use the word “ordinance” came from Puritanism, endeavouring to distance ourselves from the concept of mystery attached to sacramentalism. Latin “sacramentum” is a translation of Greek “mysterion” from which we get English “mystery.”
As I reflect on our approach to role and purpose of the Church I find that it is lack of understanding that led many to ignore the fact that there is a Mystery, there is something (and Bible tells us what) takes place in a supernatural realm whenever certain symbols are exercised.
In a couple of weeks both churches will participate again in the quarterly Lord’s Supper. Often we focus on the event happening in the church, neglecting all the shut-ins, those who are not able to come and participate, depriving them of the Mystery, of the Supernatural Miracle of Grace in their lives.
Before anyone accuses me of being a Jesuit Catholic, I invite you to consider that one of our pioneers, Ellen G. White did not hesitate to use the word “sacrament.” In the book “Desire of Ages” she repeatedly uses the term in its full meaning of mystery by phrases “partaking of the sacrament” “administration of the Sacrament” “ministration of the sacrament is commemorative.”
On November 6 this year a new book will be released. I had a glimpse preview of the first 36 pages “Trinitarian Spirituality.” Sometime in November I will have a special seminar presenting balanced Spirituality development, and I am excited to see that the Sacramental Spirituality is one of 9 “antennas” that connect us with God.
As I often say, the word “attitude” is best interpreted as the “tune of the spirit.” Our attitude reflects which spirit we are tuned into – the spirit of the world, the spirit of lie, the spirit of materialism, or the Spirit of God, Holy Spirit. Attitude of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control sounds loud when our “antennae” are turned to the Holy Spirit.
As we come to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on October 3rd we invite you to tune your spirit in advance to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16) preparing to experience the sacred Mystery of God’s Grace, as we remember and proclaim our faith in Soon Coming Lord Jesus!
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