Topical Encyclopedia The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is a central rite of Christian worship instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with His disciples. This sacred observance serves as a memorial of Christ's sacrificial death and a proclamation of His atoning work until He returns. The practice is rooted in the New Testament and holds profound theological significance for believers.Biblical Foundation The institution of the Lord's Supper is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, during which He establishes this new covenantal meal. "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'" (Matthew 26:26-28). Similarly, the Apostle Paul provides an account of the Lord's Supper in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizing its memorial nature and the proclamation of the Lord's death. "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" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Theological Significance The Lord's Supper is a profound expression of the New Covenant, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and participation in His death and resurrection. The bread and the cup represent the body and blood of Christ, signifying His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity. This sacrament is a means of grace, strengthening the faith of believers and fostering spiritual communion with the risen Lord. The Lord's Supper also serves as a communal act, uniting believers as the body of Christ. It is a time of reflection, self-examination, and repentance, as Paul admonishes the Corinthians to partake in a worthy manner, discerning the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). This communal aspect underscores the unity and fellowship of the Church, transcending individual differences and divisions. Historical Practice Throughout church history, the observance of the Lord's Supper has been a central element of Christian worship. Early Christians gathered regularly to break bread and share the cup, as described in Acts 2:42, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" . The frequency and manner of observance have varied among Christian traditions, with some celebrating weekly, others monthly, and still others on special occasions. The theological interpretations of the Lord's Supper have also varied, with differing views on the presence of Christ in the elements. While some traditions hold to a literal or substantial presence, others emphasize a symbolic or memorial understanding. Despite these differences, the Lord's Supper remains a vital expression of Christian faith and devotion. Conclusion The Lord's Supper is a sacred memorial instituted by Christ, rich in theological meaning and spiritual significance. It is a time for believers to remember and proclaim the redemptive work of Jesus, to experience communion with Him, and to express unity with one another as members of His body. As such, it continues to be a central and cherished practice within the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index Luke 22:19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 Library The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper. On Communion in the Lord's Supper. Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ... The Lord's Supper --Preliminary Observations. The Lord's Supper The Memorial of Our Absent Lord, John 16 16 Luke 22 19 John 14 3 B. The Last Supper. Ch. 22:7-38 Concerning the Lord's Supper Resources Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.orgWho was John Calvin? | GotQuestions.org What value is there in Christian journaling? | GotQuestions.org Memorial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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