Magyar Egyház, 1969 (48. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-01-01 / 1. szám
12 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ isters give only the visible signs but God gives the spiritual things, symbolized by the signs. 7. In what respect are the sacraments of the Old Testament and the New Testament equal? They are equal in that respect that the circumcision and the paschal lamb, as well as the baptism and the Lord’s Supper, refer to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 8. Why were the sacraments of the Old Testament, the circumcision and paschal lamb abolished? They were abolished because they symbolized the promised sacrifice of Jesus only for the Jews. The baptism and the Lord’s Supper, however, proclaim to all men, till the end of the world, that Jesus has already sacrificed himself for the sins of the world. 9. What are the visible signs of the sacraments? The water, the bread and the wine. 10. What spiritual things does the baptismal water symbolize? It symbolizes the washing away of our sins and our spiritual new birth by the Holy Spirit. 11. What do the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper symbolize? The bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Jesus, broken and shed for us. 12. Why does the Bible call the baptismal icater the “washing of regeneration” or spiritual new birth, and the bread the body of Christ and the wine his blood? Because it is the will of God that those who receive baptism according to his instruction, should receive also the washing away of their sins and be regenerated in their souls; and those who take the bread and wine properly, should be in communion with the body and blood of Jesus in a spiritual manner. 13. Whose opinions do we reject? We reject the opinions of those who say that the visible signs of the sacraments are not necessary because God is able to bestow on us his spiritual blessings without them as well; or those who say that through receiving the visible signs we automatically receive the spiritual blessings too, regardless of what kind of persons we are. 14. What is required of a person who wants to receive the spiritual blessings of the sacraments? Faith and repentance. Dr. Karl Barth, the distinguished Swiss theologian, died at his home in Basel on December 10, 1968. The following statement was made by the President of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Dr. Wilhelm Niesel: “A great theologian has been called home. His greatness lay in the fact that he knew the One who alone is so great that in life and death we can utterly rely on Him. Once, at a time of great stress, Karl Barth said at a public meeting to his students: ‘Do not follow my theology; follow the word of God. That is the only way to endure.’ This legacy which we have received from our teacher and friend is ours also in these days. Again we are living through times when everything is called in question. In one of his last conversations, Karl Barth expressed his anxiety: ‘What will become of the church?’ Let us with the whole church receive his summons to return to the word, to the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can save us from fear and death. Only in this way shall we truly honour the memory of this man, to whom Christendom owes so much.” MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WORSHIP AT NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Annual Service of Intercession and Holy Communion, before the 91st Congress convened, was held on January 7th, 8 a.m. in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Washington, D. C., sponsored by the National Presbyterian Church. This has become a tradition for the past 23 years, ever since the Kev. Dr. Edward L. R. Elsőn has been pastor of the church. The following representatives of Reformed and Presbyterian churches were invited to participate in this service: the Rev. Dr. John C. Smith, United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., the Rev. Dr. Charles E. S. Kraemer, Presbyterian Church in the U.S., the Rev. Dr. W. C. Lauderdale, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Loyce S. Estes, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Gibson I. Daniels, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. Raymond R. Van Heukelom, Reformed Church in America, the Rev. Dezső Ábrahám, Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America; also other clergymen from Washington, D. C. It was a memorable occasion. Several members of Congress participated with their families. The elders who officiated at the service included senators, congressmen, judges, and other dignitaries. Indeed, it was a privilege to participate in such a service. It would be good, if people in the future would elect more and more such senators and congressmen who are active church members. The new National Presbyterian Church is now under construction on a 12 acre tract at Nebraska and Van Ness St., N.W. in the District. Some buildings are already on the site, and the inspiring cathedral like new church will be ready this summer. (Picture on the front cover.) Stephen Kovács D. A.
