The Sacramental Mystery (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Sacramental Mystery (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Sacramental Mystery is Section LVIII of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler treats the Holy Communion as more than bare commemoration. He discusses the inward part of the sacrament, the communion of Christ's body and blood, and the mystery of sacramental reception.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Bread and wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received." He further explains the section by saying, "The Body and Blood of Christ, which are verily and indeed taken, and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper."

Theological Themes

• Real participation
• Body and blood of Christ
• Sacramental mystery
• Faith and reception

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• John 6:53-56
• 1 Corinthians 10:16
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
• Hebrews 11:1

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's sacramental exposition of the Church Catechism. It is connected with the Prayer Book rites of Baptism and Holy Communion, and with the Anglican distinction between outward sign and inward grace. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Sacrament
• Baptism
• Holy Communion
• Church Catechism