Topical Encyclopedia The Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a central rite in Christian worship, commemorating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a practice instituted by Christ Himself during the Last Supper, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and further expounded upon in the Pauline Epistles. This sacred observance serves as a profound expression of faith, unity, and remembrance within the Christian community.Institution of the Eucharist The institution of the Eucharist is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians. In Matthew 26:26-28 , it is written: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Similarly, Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-20 recount this pivotal moment, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the bread and wine as representations of Christ's body and blood. These passages highlight the covenantal aspect of the Eucharist, signifying the new covenant established through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Theological Significance The Apostle Paul provides further theological insight into the Eucharist in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 : "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf." Here, Paul underscores the communal and unifying aspects of the Eucharist, as believers collectively partake in the body and blood of Christ, symbolizing their unity in Him. Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 , Paul reiterates the words of Jesus during the Last Supper and instructs the Corinthian church on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, 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.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes." Spiritual Reflection and Examination Paul also emphasizes the importance of self-examination and reverence when partaking in the Eucharist. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 , he warns: "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." Conclusion The Eucharist, as instituted by Christ and practiced by the early church, remains a vital and sacred observance within Christianity. It serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice, a proclamation of His death and resurrection, and a means of spiritual nourishment and unity among believers. Through the Eucharist, Christians are called to reflect on their faith, examine their hearts, and participate in the communal life of the body of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:17-30Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, Where will you that we prepare for you to eat the passover? Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:22-24 Luke 13:26 Luke 22:19,20 John 13:1-4 Acts 2:42,46,47 Acts 20:7 1 Corinthians 10:16,17,21,22 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 Library Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ... The Consensus and Dissensus of Creeds. The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Chapter vii. Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ... General Index. The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615. The Lutheran and Reformed Confessions. On Idolatry Resources Catholic Beliefs ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgCatholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.org What is transubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Eucharist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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