The Significance and Meaning of the Lord's Supper

 

Summary

The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is a profound and sacred practice within the Christian faith, deeply rooted in biblical doctrine. It is one of the two sacraments recognized in the Protestant Church, alongside baptism. The Lord's Supper has been a subject of significant debate and controversy, particularly since the Protestant Reformation. However, much of this controversy stems from additions to biblical teaching, particularly by the Roman Catholic Church, rather than from the Bible itself.

The Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, which suggests that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ, is not supported by Scripture. Even the Roman Catholic Church admits that this doctrine cannot be proven from the Bible. Instead, the Lord's Supper should be understood as a symbolic act, representing the death of Christ and the believer's participation in His crucifixion. It is a declaration of the New Covenant, reminding believers of the benefits and promises of this covenant, such as forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

The Lord's Supper also signifies the unity of believers with Christ and with one another. As we partake of the bread and wine, we are reminded of our communion with Christ and our union with fellow believers. This unity is essential, as it reflects the body of Christ, where all members are interconnected and interdependent.

Furthermore, the Lord's Supper is not merely a symbolic act but also a means of grace. It seals the promises of God to believers, assuring them of their participation in the New Covenant. It is a time of thanksgiving, where believers express gratitude for the assurance of salvation and the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection.

Participation in the Lord's Supper is reserved for believers, as it requires faith to truly partake in its significance. It is not an automatic means of grace, as some traditions suggest, but rather an act that depends on the faith of the participant. Believers are encouraged to examine themselves before partaking, ensuring they approach the table with a repentant heart and a clear conscience.

Key Takeaways:

- The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act that represents the death of Christ and the believer's participation in His crucifixion. It is a declaration of the New Covenant and its promises, such as forgiveness and eternal life. [12:39]

- The doctrine of transubstantiation, which suggests the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ, is not supported by Scripture. The Lord's Supper should be understood as a symbolic act, not a literal transformation. [07:21]

- The Lord's Supper signifies the unity of believers with Christ and with one another. It reflects the body of Christ, where all members are interconnected and interdependent, emphasizing the importance of unity within the church. [23:14]

- Participation in the Lord's Supper is reserved for believers, as it requires faith to truly partake in its significance. It is not an automatic means of grace but an act that depends on the faith of the participant. [31:10]

- The Lord's Supper is a means of grace that seals the promises of God to believers, assuring them of their participation in the New Covenant. It is a time of thanksgiving, where believers express gratitude for the assurance of salvation. [26:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Sacraments
- [00:26] - The Challenge of Teaching
- [00:40] - Historical Controversies
- [01:13] - Biblical vs. Systematic Theology
- [02:13] - Focus on Biblical Doctrine
- [03:16] - Catholic and Protestant Views
- [04:07] - Transubstantiation Explained
- [05:22] - Substance and Accidents
- [06:51] - Worship and the Host
- [07:39] - Scriptural Arguments
- [09:25] - Historical Context
- [10:27] - Consubstantiation
- [12:09] - Reformed Doctrine
- [12:39] - Significance of the Lord's Supper
- [18:20] - New Covenant Declaration
- [23:14] - Unity Among Believers
- [26:36] - Sealing of Promises
- [31:10] - Who Should Partake
- [37:20] - The Role of Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lord's Supper

Bible Reading:

1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
2. John 6:56-57
3. Hebrews 8:8-12

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the key elements and actions involved in the Lord's Supper? How does this passage describe the purpose of the Lord's Supper? [12:39]

2. In John 6:56-57, what does Jesus mean when He talks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual nourishment? [20:19]

3. How does Hebrews 8:8-12 describe the New Covenant, and what promises are associated with it? How is this covenant different from the old one? [17:19]

4. What are the main controversies surrounding the doctrine of transubstantiation, and how does the sermon address these issues? [07:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the symbolic nature of the Lord's Supper, as described in 1 Corinthians 11, enhance a believer's understanding of Christ's death and resurrection? [12:39]

2. In what ways does the Lord's Supper serve as a declaration of unity among believers, according to the sermon? How does this unity reflect the body of Christ? [23:14]

3. How does the sermon explain the role of faith in participating in the Lord's Supper? Why is it important for believers to examine themselves before partaking? [31:10]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the Lord's Supper and the New Covenant? How does this sacrament assure believers of their participation in the New Covenant? [26:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal experience with the Lord's Supper. How has it impacted your understanding of Christ's sacrifice and your relationship with Him? [12:39]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity among believers during the Lord's Supper. How can you actively promote unity within your church community? [23:14]

3. Before participating in the Lord's Supper, believers are encouraged to examine themselves. What steps can you take to ensure you approach the table with a repentant heart and clear conscience? [31:10]

4. How can the promises of the New Covenant, as highlighted in the sermon, provide comfort and assurance in your daily life? [26:36]

5. The sermon discusses the symbolic nature of the Lord's Supper. How can you use this understanding to explain the significance of Communion to someone new to the faith? [12:39]

6. Consider the role of faith in the Lord's Supper. How can you strengthen your faith to fully partake in the significance of this sacrament? [31:10]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of thanksgiving during the Lord's Supper. What are some specific things you can express gratitude for during your next Communion service? [30:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Symbolic Participation in Christ's Death
The Lord's Supper is a profound symbolic act that represents the death of Christ and the believer's participation in His crucifixion. It is a declaration of the New Covenant, reminding believers of the benefits and promises of this covenant, such as forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This sacred practice invites believers to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and their own commitment to live in accordance with His teachings. By partaking in the bread and wine, believers are reminded of the immense love and grace that Christ has extended to them, and they are called to respond with gratitude and devotion. [12:39]

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you can live out the reality of Christ's sacrifice in your daily life. What specific actions can you take today to demonstrate your commitment to the New Covenant?


Day 2: Understanding Transubstantiation
The doctrine of transubstantiation, which suggests the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ, is not supported by Scripture. Instead, the Lord's Supper should be understood as a symbolic act, not a literal transformation. This understanding emphasizes the importance of faith and the spiritual significance of the sacrament, rather than a focus on physical change. By recognizing the symbolic nature of the Lord's Supper, believers are encouraged to deepen their faith and understanding of the spiritual truths it represents. [07:21]

"These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." (Colossians 2:17, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of the Lord's Supper. How does viewing it as a symbolic act deepen your appreciation for its spiritual significance?


Day 3: Unity Among Believers
The Lord's Supper signifies the unity of believers with Christ and with one another. It reflects the body of Christ, where all members are interconnected and interdependent, emphasizing the importance of unity within the church. As believers partake in the bread and wine, they are reminded of their shared faith and the communal aspect of their spiritual journey. This unity is essential for the health and growth of the church, as it fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support among its members. [23:14]

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:5, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a fellow believer with whom you can strengthen your bond of unity. How can you reach out to them today to encourage and support them in their faith journey?


Day 4: Faith and Participation
Participation in the Lord's Supper is reserved for believers, as it requires faith to truly partake in its significance. It is not an automatic means of grace but an act that depends on the faith of the participant. Believers are encouraged to examine themselves before partaking, ensuring they approach the table with a repentant heart and a clear conscience. This self-examination fosters spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Christ, as believers are reminded of their need for His grace and forgiveness. [31:10]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: Before participating in the Lord's Supper, take a moment to examine your heart. Is there an area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and grace today?


Day 5: A Means of Grace and Thanksgiving
The Lord's Supper is a means of grace that seals the promises of God to believers, assuring them of their participation in the New Covenant. It is a time of thanksgiving, where believers express gratitude for the assurance of salvation and the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection. This sacrament serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of eternal life, encouraging believers to live with a spirit of gratitude and joy. [26:36]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: As you partake in the Lord's Supper, reflect on the grace and promises of God in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving today?

Quotes


The first thing that is signified is the Lord's death now Paul states that explicitly in that paragraph in that statement in 1 Corinthians 11 he says as often as he eat this bread and drink this cup you do show proclaim the Lord's death till he come the breaking of the the of the bread and the drinking or the pouring and the drinking of the wine are a representation of our Lord's death his broken body his shed blood. [00:12:39]

The Lord's Supper also is a declaration of and a sign of the believer's participation in the crucified Christ we are in communion with him it reminds us of that and of of our Union with him and therefore our participation in his death you remember the rich teaching of about that in the sixth chapter of the epistle to the Romans that we are in Christ and that because we are in Christ we have died with him and we've been buried with him and we've risen again with him. [00:14:36]

It is a reminder to us and a declaration that we participate in all the benefits of the New Covenant you notice how that again came out in these words which are written by the Apostle in verse 25 in that 11th chapter of First Corinthians after the same manner also he took the cup when he had sted saying this cup is the New Testament yes the New Covenant in my blood this do ye as of as you drink it in remembrance of me. [00:15:24]

The communion service is a reminder to us of all that that in and through our Lord Jesus Christ God has made a new Covenant with Believers he is the mediator of the New Covenant he is the head and representative of men in this new covenant this new agreement this marvelous New Covenant that God makes with men and you remember that in that eth of Hebrews you get that striking contrast drawn between these two covenants. [00:16:48]

Every time we meet at the communion table and partake of the Lord's Supper we are declaring that we are declaring this New Covenant and all the contents of the New Covenant of which we are reminded there in the eth of Hebrews you see what a tremendous thing it is to meet at that table and to take the bread and the wine yes but we don't stop even at that in addition to that we are reminded by the partaking of the bread and the wine that we as Believers also receive life and strength to live this Christian Life from the Lord Jesus Christ himself. [00:18:23]

The bread and the wine remind us of that they represent that they're a picture of that they're a portrayal of that as we actually take the bread and eat it as we drink the wine and swallow it we should say yes I must feed on the Lord as he told me I must live on him I must take of him as he took of the father so I will Feast on him as our himym has just been putting it not in a physical sense but in a spiritual sense. [00:22:11]

There is one other thing that is represented by this communion by the bread and the wine and it is this it is the union of the Believers with one another they're not only all joined to Christ they are all joined to one another now the Apostle Paul has taught this in chapter 10 of his first epistle to the Corinthians and it's a chapter that we should always pay careful attention to. [00:23:14]

The term communion represents not only our communion with the Lord but also our communion with one another we are bound together in him because we are all in him we become one loaf one bread and that you see is why the Apostle goes on to give that teaching that came out in my reading at the beginning he says look here you're denying the very principle of communion. [00:24:56]

This action this communion this Sacrament if you like to so call it not only signifies but it seals things to us and what does it seal well it seals this it seals all the benefits about which I've just been speaking so that when you and I take the communion we're not only reminding ourselves of something we are not only indulging in a memorial or commemorative action neither are are we merely putting on our Badge of church membership as it were because it is that also but more than that something is being done to us as we receive that bread and as we receive that wine God is telling us that we are participators in the benefits of this New Covenant. [00:26:36]

It seals them all to us it seals all these promises of God to which I've been referring it assures me that he died for me that I'm join to him that I've died with him and have risen with him it does indeed assure to me all the benefits of the New Covenant it's like handing me a document with a seal on it there there it is this is all yours the New Covenant of God with men belongs to me he's made it with me he's handing it over to me he's giving it me as the ring put on is an assurance to the person who wears it of the love of that man so the bread and the wine are a special Assurance given to us by God in his love and condescension in order that as we take them we may know that he's giving all these benefits to us. [00:27:56]

Our whole view of this Sacrament as of every other Sacrament is that it depends upon faith we don't believe that this acts any more automatically than does baptism we don't believe in that theory of the Catholics of ex oper operat that it operates in its own force and in its own power with an inevitability because the grace is in it not at all there is no value in eating the bread and drinking the wine if you don't do so in faith there is nothing in the bread there is nothing in the wine as such faith is essential so that it is only for believers. [00:31:10]

When we come to that table to the communion we must keep all these things in our mind and as we do so it will be a means of great blessing to us yes but remember this it does nothing more than the word does it does nothing Beyond preaching I said that about baptism we must say it there is no new or additional Grace given in the Lord's Supper well what is it then well it's what I've been saying what it does is to add to the effectiveness of the word it adds to our receiving of the grace there is no special Grace there is nothing there which you can't have anywhere else. [00:37:20]

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Transcript
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