The Lord's Supper
What is the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, is a sacrament (a visible sign and seal
given by God) that belongs to the visible community of God’s people, the church
of Jesus Christ. Just as the old covenant Passover meal celebrated the saving work
of God through a slain substitute, so the Lord’s Supper is the new covenant celebration
of God’s true and ultimate saving work through the death of His Son as the actual
substitute sacrificed for sinners.
The Lord’s Supper is not a re-sacrifice of Christ. Rather, it is a remembrance of
His one-time sacrificial death. Neither is the Lord’s Supper a mere memorial meal,
because, while it does remember the death of Christ, our communion is not with a
dead Christ but with a living Savior, risen in victory. Christ is truly present
in the elements used in a special way. He is not physically present, but spiritually.
The Supper is a means of grace, strengthening the faith of believers and helping
them to grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior.
Who may participate in the Lord’s Supper?
The sacrament is not just for those who belong to this local church, but for those
who belong to any expression of Christ’s church, where the gospel is proclaimed
and the Word of God upheld.
You may participate if:
- You have received the sign of water baptism, initiating you into God’s covenant
community.
- You have professed personal faith in Jesus Christ to save you from the penalty of
your sin and make you right with God.
- Your profession of faith is not just your own opinion, but has been affirmed and
validated by the leaders of Christ’s church.
- You have dealt with any sin against God and against brother or sister in the Lord.
(for further study:
Heb. 9:11-14, 24-28;
Ex. 12:48;
Col. 2:11-12;
1 Cor. 10:16;
Rom. 3:19-26;
Mt. 18:18;
1 Cor. 5:12;
1 Cor. 11:27-28;
Mt. 5:23-24;
1 Jn. 1:6ff.)