Ecclesiology: Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper
Chris Hefner
What does the Bible say about the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper took place during the Passover Celebration (Luke 22:15).
The Lord’s Supper introduces the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).
The Lord’s Supper is for the family of God (1 Cor. 11:17-34).
Views about the Lord’s Supper
Transubstantiation: The bread and wine are transformed into Christ’s body and blood. Roman Catholic.
Consubstantiation: The molecules are not changed into the blood and body of Christ, but are present “with, in, and under” the bread and wine. Lutheran.
Reformed: Christ is present spiritually and dynamically in the bread and wine. Calvinism.
Commemoration/Ordinance: The value of the bread and wine (juice) is receiving by faith the benefits of Christ’s death; emphasis is on what the table pictures; proclamation. Zwinglian.
Theological Takeaway: The observance of the Lord’s Supper reminds us of our sin, our Savior, and the New Covenant God made with us through Christ.
Worship Takeaway: The observance of the Supper through bread and juice (wine) reflect God making himself accessible to his people.
Evangelistic Takeaway: When we observe the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim the Lord’s death—it is evangelistic.
Relational Takeaway: We are invited at the Lord’s Supper to pursue unity, seek out reconciliation, and realize that this is a family meal.
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