The cult, recapitulation of the history of salvation
The problem of the epiclesis
Article summary proposed by the Contacts review with LLM assistance
This article by Reformed theologian Jean-Jacques von Allmen examines the theological significance of Christian worship from three complementary angles. Adopting a systematic approach grounded in New Testament exegesis, the author first establishes the christological foundation of worship, showing that the entire life of Jesus constitutes a fulfilled liturgy. He then addresses the presence of Christ in worship and the role of the epiclesis, emphasizing that this presence is real but not at our disposal, invoked rather than provoked. The article defends the Orthodox position of placing the epiclesis after the words of institution, seeing in this a theologically coherent expression of divine freedom and a robust pneumatology. The main contribution lies in the notion of recapitulation: worship summarizes and reactualizes the history of salvation in its past, present, and eschatological dimensions, through the work of the Holy Spirit.
This article has not been translated yet — it is available in its French version here.
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