What about the Lord's Supper?
What about the Lord's Supper?
By John Holmes
Communion Plate (Source: Logos Media)
Jesus instructed His disciples to remember His death and resurrection. To help them do so, He gave the church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”). These two ordinances are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are not sacraments, and as such, they do not dispense God’s grace. Ordinances are symbolic and not undertaken for salvation.1
The Lord’s Supper is a joyful object lesson representing a great spiritual truth for believers. It is a simple act and not an elaborate ritual, portraying how the Lord Jesus Christ’s body and blood were sacrificed for us to make redemption from sin available to all who believe in Him as Savior. As a symbol of His covenant, it is also a promise of Christ’s return. Thus, the Supper is a symbolic act where a church memorializes and remembers the death of Jesus and anticipates His second coming.2
While there is no Scripture or law governing the recipe used for communion bread, many churches, including FBC Moriarty, use unleavened bread with no yeast or other substance that produces fermentation in the dough. Bread like matzah, which Jews still eat for Passover Seder today, is commonly used. The night before His death, Christ gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover Feast (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:15-20; John 13:21-30). When God first appointed this yearly festival, associated with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, He instructed Israel to eat only unleavened bread for seven days to commemorate the nation's exodus from bondage in Egypt (Deut. 16:3; Num 9:11; Ex. 12:8; 29:2). So serious was God's direction (a command), anyone who ate bread made with yeast during the festival would be cut off from Israel (Ex. 12:15).
Yeast or leaven is often associated symbolically with sin and corruption in the Bible (Matthew 16:6; 12; Galatians 5:9;1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The unleavened "bread of affliction" used in the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Deut. 16:3) was to remind the people of their hurried departure from Egypt when they had no time to wait for bread to rise. At the same time, the bread warned God's people against corrupting influences (Ex. 14:14-20), and it pointed them toward the coming and promised Messiah, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the World" (John 1:29)!++
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul explains to us that the purpose of the Supper is to "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). The Supper also provides an opportunity for solemn self-examination for every believer and for the church as the body of Christ. When someone participates in communion (aka "the Supper"), they proclaim that Jesus paid for our sins by offering his body in our place, shedding His blood, and physically dying on the cross (Eph. 1:7; Heb. 2:9, 1 Pet. 1:18-19); partakers also proclaim that He rose from the dead (Acts 2:24; Col. 2:12), that He is now alive (Rom. 6:3-5; Eph. 2:4-6); that He will come again (Matt. 24:30; James 5:7-8; Heb. 9:28; John 14:3; 2 Pet. 3:3-10); and that we are to share the Good News of Jesus with the world until He returns (Matthew 28:19-20).++
Scripture does not dictate how often the Supper should be observed, nor does it specify the methods to be used in a communion service. The Supper should be observed in a regular, joyful, but serious, service of worship and remembrance. As Christians, our focus should not be on ritual but on recalling what Jesus has done for us: His sacrifice on the cross, and that His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins. God loved us so that He laid down His life so that we might be saved (John 3:16-17; Heb. 9:26).
Observance of the Lord’s Supper at FBC Moriarty is scheduled regularly. Typically, the church will provide notice at least one week in advance before the date of observance(s) so that believers may prayerfully examine and prepare themselves (before they eat the bread and drink the cup). Preparation is a personal responsibility and occurs by 1) self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27–31), 2) confessing any sins (1 John 1:9), 3) recommitment (Romans 12:1), 4) restoring relationships (Matt. 5:23–24) and 5) joyful praise to God (Heb. 12:2; Rom. 5:8–11). It is important for those who partake in the Supper to take their participation seriously (with both joy and respect for its occasion) and in a worthy manner, lest it be taken unworthily, resulting in God’s judgment (1 Cor. 11:29).
We kindly ask that all unbelieving visitors, family, children, and guests refrain from participating. Members are encouraged to teach their non-believing guests and loved ones about Christ’s Gospel in hopes they may one day come to join His fellowship. Partaking in the Lord’s Supper at FBC Moriarty is permitted for those who 1) have a “close” relationship with God through restoration in Jesus Christ, 2) a “close” relationship with other believers as obedient members in a New Testament church, and 3) who have not disobediently avoided (or continue to avoid) scriptural baptism (there should be no intentional act of disobedience). Anyone who meets all three criteria is welcome to participate, regardless of church affiliation.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If not, why not?
Or, maybe you have questions. Give us a call.
We'd love to share Jesus with you.
Believe in Jesus today!
The Lord’s Supper is a joyful object lesson representing a great spiritual truth for believers. It is a simple act and not an elaborate ritual, portraying how the Lord Jesus Christ’s body and blood were sacrificed for us to make redemption from sin available to all who believe in Him as Savior. As a symbol of His covenant, it is also a promise of Christ’s return. Thus, the Supper is a symbolic act where a church memorializes and remembers the death of Jesus and anticipates His second coming.2
While there is no Scripture or law governing the recipe used for communion bread, many churches, including FBC Moriarty, use unleavened bread with no yeast or other substance that produces fermentation in the dough. Bread like matzah, which Jews still eat for Passover Seder today, is commonly used. The night before His death, Christ gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover Feast (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:15-20; John 13:21-30). When God first appointed this yearly festival, associated with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, He instructed Israel to eat only unleavened bread for seven days to commemorate the nation's exodus from bondage in Egypt (Deut. 16:3; Num 9:11; Ex. 12:8; 29:2). So serious was God's direction (a command), anyone who ate bread made with yeast during the festival would be cut off from Israel (Ex. 12:15).
Yeast or leaven is often associated symbolically with sin and corruption in the Bible (Matthew 16:6; 12; Galatians 5:9;1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The unleavened "bread of affliction" used in the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Deut. 16:3) was to remind the people of their hurried departure from Egypt when they had no time to wait for bread to rise. At the same time, the bread warned God's people against corrupting influences (Ex. 14:14-20), and it pointed them toward the coming and promised Messiah, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the World" (John 1:29)!++
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul explains to us that the purpose of the Supper is to "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). The Supper also provides an opportunity for solemn self-examination for every believer and for the church as the body of Christ. When someone participates in communion (aka "the Supper"), they proclaim that Jesus paid for our sins by offering his body in our place, shedding His blood, and physically dying on the cross (Eph. 1:7; Heb. 2:9, 1 Pet. 1:18-19); partakers also proclaim that He rose from the dead (Acts 2:24; Col. 2:12), that He is now alive (Rom. 6:3-5; Eph. 2:4-6); that He will come again (Matt. 24:30; James 5:7-8; Heb. 9:28; John 14:3; 2 Pet. 3:3-10); and that we are to share the Good News of Jesus with the world until He returns (Matthew 28:19-20).++
Scripture does not dictate how often the Supper should be observed, nor does it specify the methods to be used in a communion service. The Supper should be observed in a regular, joyful, but serious, service of worship and remembrance. As Christians, our focus should not be on ritual but on recalling what Jesus has done for us: His sacrifice on the cross, and that His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins. God loved us so that He laid down His life so that we might be saved (John 3:16-17; Heb. 9:26).
Observance of the Lord’s Supper at FBC Moriarty is scheduled regularly. Typically, the church will provide notice at least one week in advance before the date of observance(s) so that believers may prayerfully examine and prepare themselves (before they eat the bread and drink the cup). Preparation is a personal responsibility and occurs by 1) self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27–31), 2) confessing any sins (1 John 1:9), 3) recommitment (Romans 12:1), 4) restoring relationships (Matt. 5:23–24) and 5) joyful praise to God (Heb. 12:2; Rom. 5:8–11). It is important for those who partake in the Supper to take their participation seriously (with both joy and respect for its occasion) and in a worthy manner, lest it be taken unworthily, resulting in God’s judgment (1 Cor. 11:29).
We kindly ask that all unbelieving visitors, family, children, and guests refrain from participating. Members are encouraged to teach their non-believing guests and loved ones about Christ’s Gospel in hopes they may one day come to join His fellowship. Partaking in the Lord’s Supper at FBC Moriarty is permitted for those who 1) have a “close” relationship with God through restoration in Jesus Christ, 2) a “close” relationship with other believers as obedient members in a New Testament church, and 3) who have not disobediently avoided (or continue to avoid) scriptural baptism (there should be no intentional act of disobedience). Anyone who meets all three criteria is welcome to participate, regardless of church affiliation.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If not, why not?
Or, maybe you have questions. Give us a call.
We'd love to share Jesus with you.
Believe in Jesus today!
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
[1] Ephesians 2:8-9, "For you are saved by grace through faith; and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift-- not from works, so that no one can boast." The Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved. COMMENT: The Bible teaches that salvation is not obtained through human efforts, such as good works, keeping the law, or partaking in Baptism or Communion. Instead, salvation is obtained through God's mercy and grace, which is bestowed on those who believe in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). When humans attempt to take self-directed action in order to make themselves more pleasing to God in order to illicit salvation, they are at risk of following a false works-based gospel. Scripture's testimony is that there is nothing mankind can do to 'earn' salvation. Have you received God's gift? Believe in Jesus today!
[2] Baptist Faith and Message 2000. See https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/#vii
[++] Paraphrased from https://gotquestions.org/unleavened-bread-communion.html.
[+++] If you're interested in a helpful book with more information on the topic, see here: The Lord's Supper (NAC Studies in Bible and Theology) by Schreiner and Crawford
[1] Ephesians 2:8-9, "For you are saved by grace through faith; and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift-- not from works, so that no one can boast." The Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved. COMMENT: The Bible teaches that salvation is not obtained through human efforts, such as good works, keeping the law, or partaking in Baptism or Communion. Instead, salvation is obtained through God's mercy and grace, which is bestowed on those who believe in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). When humans attempt to take self-directed action in order to make themselves more pleasing to God in order to illicit salvation, they are at risk of following a false works-based gospel. Scripture's testimony is that there is nothing mankind can do to 'earn' salvation. Have you received God's gift? Believe in Jesus today!
[2] Baptist Faith and Message 2000. See https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/#vii
[++] Paraphrased from https://gotquestions.org/unleavened-bread-communion.html.
[+++] If you're interested in a helpful book with more information on the topic, see here: The Lord's Supper (NAC Studies in Bible and Theology) by Schreiner and Crawford
Posted in Coffee Hour w/ Pastor John
Tagged with Communion, Lord\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Supper, Rememberance, Jesus Christ, Church Ordinances, Ordinance, One Body, One Loaf, Memorialize Jesus, Remembering Jesus
Tagged with Communion, Lord\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Supper, Rememberance, Jesus Christ, Church Ordinances, Ordinance, One Body, One Loaf, Memorialize Jesus, Remembering Jesus
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