On the Day of Pentecost Luke wrote about the Lord’s Supper. Acts 2:42
Jesus instituted this meal to keep reminding His followers of Him
Called the Eucharist meaning: the giving of thanks.
Ordinance: a decree A rule made by authority.
Sacrament: Outward & visible sign of an inward & spiritual grace given as pledge to Christ
Both the meal & baptism can result in spiritual blessing when faith is involved.
Transubstantiation Bread & wine becomes body & blood of Christ. After priests words.
Consubstantiation bread & wine, body & blood co existing. Luther
Memorial supper Zwingli Just a remembrance of Christ’s death
Spiritual Presence Calvin Christ present discerned by faith
Jesus introduced the Lord’s Supper.
- It was the Passover Matthew 26:17
- Night He was betrayed 1 Corinthians 11:23
- One would betray Jesus Matthew 26:21
- Promise to drink the wine with us in the Kingdom of God Matthew 26:29
Two Parts. Bread & Wine Prayer of thanks before the sharing of bread & wine.
Bread: This is My body Matthew 26:26 given for you Luke 22:19
Wine This is My blood Matthew 26:28 poured out for you Luke 22:20
Jesus viewed it as a command to be kept up. Matthew 26:29 'Drink it anew in My Father’s Kingdom'
Preceded by a common meal sharing common food.
Paul passed on what He had received regarding the Lord’s Supper. Would take place until The Lord returned. Common meal prior to that sharing same food by all. In a worthy way.
Need to examine oneself not to bring judgement on oneself.
Rise of the Mass
First part for believers only.
RC teaching – Bread & wine becomes body & blood of Christ Luther & Zwingli objected
Merely a memorial
Calvin: Christ spiritually present . Grace imparted if faith present
Restricted to believers. Outsiders regarded as unworthy. Members of church only. Not our table, it is the Lord’s table. Examine ourselves not by others.
Purpose of the Lord’s Supper: Why God sent His Son. 1 Corinthians 11:26 ABC of the church reminder
Intimacy with Christ John 6:53 Love Him. Jesus present. Come with expectancy.
Grace imparted because Christ spiritually present.
A reminder Christ had a body broken for us. Blood shed for our sins.
The Church: 1 Corinthians 11:29 Christ’s body on the cross & also the church His body All equal.
In a worthy manner: Examine your attitude. 1 Corinthians 11:28 Affirm it is for you. Remind what it means.
The reasons for the meal. Come with expectancy Christ is alive.
Unworthy attitude results in external chastening or terminal !
If revival comes, a sense of God’s presence. A time of worship & focus on Jesus.
Come obedient in life to the Word, accept chastening. Enjoy the presence of the Trinity.
