Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary Episode: Last Supper Release Date: April 17, 2025

Hosted by Ligonier Ministries, "Renewing Your Mind" with R.C. Sproul delves deep into the theological significance of the Last Supper. In this episode, Dr. Sproul explores how Jesus transformed the traditional Passover liturgy, the establishment of the New Covenant, and the enduring impact of these events on Christian doctrine.

1. Introduction and Context

[00:00] R.C. Sproul:
"Can you imagine how significant it was for any Jew after the Passover was originally instituted to have the audacity to change the liturgy of it?"

Dr. Sproul opens by highlighting the unprecedented authority Jesus wielded to amend the Passover celebration. He emphasizes that only Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Passover, could justifiably make such profound changes.

2. The Institution of the Last Supper

[01:03] R.C. Sproul:
"Jesus is beginning to enter into what's called his passion. He's aware of his impending execution... all of this comes out at the celebration of the Last Supper."

Exploring Luke 22, Dr. Sproul sets the scene of the Last Supper, detailing the simultaneous conspiracies against Jesus by religious leaders and His deliberate preparation to institute the Passover with His disciples. This moment marks a pivotal transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

3. The Significance of Passover

[02:20] R.C. Sproul:
"In the first instance, the Passover commemorated God's redemptive action in saving his people."

Dr. Sproul recounts the origins of Passover, its roots in the Exodus, and its dual purpose of remembrance and anticipation. He underscores the lamb’s blood as a sign of deliverance, drawing a parallel to Jesus as the ultimate Paschal Lamb who delivers humanity from sin and death.

4. Changes to the Passover Liturgy by Jesus

[05:15] R.C. Sproul:
"The only person in the world who had the authority to make such drastic changes to the liturgy was Jesus himself, because the Passover was about him."

During the Last Supper, Jesus redefines the traditional Passover elements. He declares the bread as His body and the wine as His blood, symbolizing the establishment of a new covenant. This radical shift signifies the end of the Old Covenant and the commencement of the New Covenant through His impending sacrifice.

5. Theological Implications and the New Covenant

[10:45] R.C. Sproul:
"This is the Paschal Lamb. He is the one invested by God with the authority to give a new understanding and new meaning to this Old Testament sacrament."

Dr. Sproul delves into the theological depth of the Last Supper, explaining that Jesus’ actions were not merely symbolic but foundational for the Christian faith. He discusses the concept of the New Covenant, established through Jesus’ blood, which offers redemption and a direct relationship with God, surpassing the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

6. The Lord’s Supper in Different Denominations

a. Roman Catholicism and Transubstantiation [15:30] R.C. Sproul:
"The doctrine of transubstantiation simply teaches that in the miracle of the Mass, the bread and wine... are changed into the substance of the body and blood of Christ."

Dr. Sproul critiques the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, which posits that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ while retaining their appearances. He argues that this view imposes a physical change that intrudes upon Christ’s human nature, conflicting with the Chalcedonian definition of Jesus' dual nature.

b. Lutheran Perspective [18:10] R.C. Sproul:
"Luther modified it to say that Christ is present in, under and through the elements, but there's no change of substance and accidents as such."

Sproul explains Martin Luther’s approach, which maintains Christ’s real presence without altering the substance of the bread and wine. This position seeks a middle ground but still emphasizes a tangible connection to Christ’s body and blood.

c. Calvinism and Symbolism [21:50] R.C. Sproul:
"Others have said and argued... that it's all just simply symbolism and that the sacrament simply represents Jesus."

Addressing Calvinist views, Dr. Sproul acknowledges the perspective that the Lord’s Supper is purely symbolic, serving as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice without invoking His physical presence. He contrasts this with his own church’s belief in the spiritual presence of Christ through His divine nature.

7. Dr. Sproul’s Perspective on the Lord’s Supper

[22:45] R.C. Sproul:
"We believe in our Church that Jesus is truly present, but he's present by his divine nature."

Dr. Sproul articulates his stance, asserting that Jesus is genuinely present in the sacrament through His divine nature, not just as a symbol or through physical presence. This maintains the integrity of Jesus’ human nature while embracing His divine omnipresence.

8. Conclusion

[24:00] R.C. Sproul:
"This most significant sacrament... by being the Lamb without blemish... to sit down with him at his Father's banquet house in heaven."

Wrapping up, Dr. Sproul reflects on the enduring significance of the Last Supper. He emphasizes its role in commemorating Christ’s sacrifice and looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment in heaven. The sacrament serves as a continual reminder of God's redemptive plan and the believer’s hope in eternal fellowship with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

• Authority of Jesus: Only Jesus had the authority to redefine the Passover, emphasizing His role as the Paschal Lamb.
• Establishment of the New Covenant: The Last Supper marks the transition from the Old Covenant, with its sacrificial system, to the New Covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice.
• Eucharistic Theology: Various Christian denominations interpret the Lord’s Supper differently, ranging from transubstantiation to symbolic remembrance. Dr. Sproul advocates for the spiritual presence of Christ through His divine nature.
• Enduring Significance: The Last Supper remains a foundational practice in Christianity, symbolizing both remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and anticipation of eternal union with Him.

This episode provides a profound exploration of the Last Supper’s theological depth, encouraging listeners to appreciate its historical context and lasting impact on Christian faith and practice.