Remembering Forward: Communion's Past and Future Significance

The theme of "remembering forward" is a profound concept that connects the act of remembrance in communion with both the historical deliverance of Israel and the future hope of Christians in the return of Christ. This article explores the key ideas surrounding this theme.

1. Connection Between Passover and Communion: The Passover celebration serves as a significant historical event that foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The celebration of the Passover is intrinsically linked to the communion observed every Lord's Day. This connection emphasizes that the act of remembering during communion transcends mere recollection of past events; it also involves anticipation of future promises fulfilled through Christ.

2. The Purpose of Remembrance: The Passover was instituted as a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, designed to ensure that they remember God's deliverance. This act of remembrance is intended to instill gratitude and faith in future generations, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the promise of salvation through Christ. The directive to commemorate these events underscores the importance of passing down the significance of divine deliverance.

3. Remembering Forward: The concept of "remembering forward" suggests that true remembrance should influence how individuals live in the present and future. This idea encapsulates the essence of communion, where believers not only reflect on Christ's sacrifice but also look forward to His return. Such remembrance is transformative, encouraging individuals to live in accordance with His teachings and to embody the hope that comes from this anticipation.

4. Proclamation Until His Return: Participation in communion serves as a proclamation of the Lord's death "until he comes." This forward-looking aspect of communion emphasizes the anticipation of Christ's return, linking the historical event of His sacrifice with the future promise of His coming again. This proclamation reinforces the believer's commitment to faith and the expectation of fulfillment of God's promises.

5. Faithfulness of God: The faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises is a central theme. The assurance that "God is faithful to his promises" serves as a foundation for hope and confidence as believers look toward the future. This faithfulness is evident in the historical context of Israel and the anticipated return of Christ, providing a solid basis for trust in God's ongoing commitment to His people.

The interplay of remembrance and anticipation illustrates how the act of communion serves as a powerful reminder of God's past deliverance while simultaneously directing believers toward the hope of Christ's return. This "remembering forward" encourages a life of faith and expectation, deeply rooted in the assurance of God's promises.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Lakeshore Christian Church, one of 898 churches in Smyrna, TN