Sunday, April 29, 2007

Ordination #2, Art. 7b: The Lord's Supper

The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper (Mt. 26.26-29; Mk. 14.22-25; Lk. 22.17-20; 1 Cor. 11.23-26) and was practiced in the early church (Acts 2.42, 46; 1 Cor. 11.27-34). It seems that this should be a repetitive rite (1 Cor. 11.26). It is an occasion to remember the death of Christ on behalf of the church (1 Cor. 11.25-26) and an anticipation of Jesus’ return (Mk. 14.25). Christ is also present in the midst of the meal. When one is “sharing” the Lord’s body and blood (1 Cor. 10.16) in the “Lord’s supper” (1 Cor. 11.20) at the “Lord’s table” (1 Cor. 10.21), which is an expression of table fellowship, it is clear that there is some presence of Jesus implied. Jesus is truly, spiritually present in the celebration of the Eucharist, though it is not the only means of His presence in the life of the church (Eph. 3.17; Mt. 18.20; 28.20). This ordinance is reserved for believers by its very nature. Believers in fellowship celebrated (Acts 2.42) and it is partaking in Christ and His work (1 Cor. 10.16), but believers ought to examine themselves and take the ordinance seriously (1 Cor. 11.27-32).

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