Monstrance (Reformed Baptist Perspective)

Definition:

A monstrance is a vessel used in certain Christian liturgical traditions, particularly in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglican practices, for the display of the consecrated Eucharistic host (the bread believed to be the body of Christ in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper). It is typically made of precious metals and is often ornate, designed to hold the host in a position where it can be publicly displayed and venerated, especially during times of Eucharistic adoration or processions.

In the context of Reformed Baptist theology, the use of the monstrance is not practiced and would be viewed with caution or even as problematic. Reformed Baptists emphasize that the Lord's Supper (or Communion) is a means of grace intended for the edification of the church rather than an object of veneration or adoration.

Theological Basis:
The central issue for Reformed Baptists regarding the monstrance lies in their understanding of the Lord’s Supper. Reformed Baptists, adhering to a more symbolic or memorial view of Communion, reject any notion that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ (as in the Roman Catholic view of transubstantiation) or that the Eucharist should be venerated as if Christ were physically present in the elements in a way that would require a special vessel for display.

• 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 – “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'”
  Reformed Baptists emphasize the symbolic nature of the bread and wine, signifying Christ’s body and blood but not becoming His literal body and blood. The focus is on the remembrance and proclamation of the gospel rather than the veneration of the elements.

• John 6:35 – "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
  Jesus presents Himself as the true bread of life, and the focus for Reformed Baptists is on faith in Christ, rather than physical objects or symbols being treated as having inherent power or divine presence.

Reformed Baptist View on Worship:
In Reformed Baptist worship, there is a strong emphasis on simplicity and the rejection of any ritual or object that could distract from the direct worship of God. Reformed Baptists believe that Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper is spiritual and not tied to a physical object. Thus, practices such as the use of a monstrance, which focus on the physical display or veneration of the Eucharist, are viewed as unnecessary and potentially idolatrous.

Theological Implications:
The use of the monstrance is seen by Reformed Baptists as problematic because it may imply a form of reverence or adoration for the elements themselves, rather than the Lord Jesus Christ who instituted the ordinance. The danger lies in elevating created things (such as the bread) to an improper status, which could lead to a form of idolatry or misplaced devotion.

Source for Further Study:
For further study on the theology of the Lord’s Supper and its relationship to practices like the monstrance, Reformed Baptists may refer to:

• The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith (Chapter 30, "Of the Lord’s Supper") – This chapter clarifies the Reformed Baptist position on the Lord's Supper, emphasizing its memorial and symbolic nature, rejecting any notion of the Eucharist as a literal sacrifice or the need for veneration of the elements.
• Herman Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics (Volume 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ) – Bavinck provides a detailed account of the Reformed view of the sacraments and the distinction between the true nature of the Lord's Supper and the practices of Roman Catholicism.
• John Owen’s The Doctrine of the Person of Christ – Owen discusses the significance of Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the spiritual nature of communion and rejecting any notion of the Eucharist as a literal body.

These resources will help provide clarity on why Reformed Baptists reject the use of the monstrance and the elevation of physical objects in worship, focusing instead on the simple and direct proclamation of Christ’s death and resurrection in the Lord’s Supper.