 HOLY COMMUNION
Jesus ordained that his disciples should "eat and drink" with him at his table in his kingdom (Lk. 22:29). That meal we call the Lord's Supper or holy communion. Every church has an observance of this sacred feast although, frequency and form varies from body to body.
Christ instituted his supper at the last Passover meal he shared with his disciples. The elements he chose were the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine of the Passover meal. To each he assigned a symbolic significance. Of the bread said he, "this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me" (Lk 22:19). All were to drink of the fruit of the vine in memory of his shed blood "which is poured out for many unto remission of sins" (Matt. 26:28). No mention is made of transforming of the emblems from bread and wine into flesh and blood i.e., "the real presence" of Christ. These are curious, but extra-biblical, traditions of men based upon superstition and misunderstanding of the language rather than on God's truth.
Though hallowed by eight centuries of practice, they have no place in the supper Christ instituted.
The time of observance is learned from the example of the early church. "Upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread" (Acts 20:7). Early Christian history confirms that the communion was the center piece of each Lord's Day assembly. Although the day is specified, no particular hour of that day is required. Thus any hour on the first day that is convenient for the disciples will do.
The place of its observance is given. It is observed "in (his) kingdom" (Lk. 22:30). His kingdom is his church (Matt 16:18). Thus it is an important part of the worship of his church.
The participants are those within his church/kingdom. Only those who have been born of water and Spirit are citizens in his kingdom. (John 3:5). That new birth is experienced in baptism when one receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
That this sacred memorial was designed by God is seen in its adaptability and flexibility. It is so simple in content that it can be understood by anyone.
The elements are so universal they can be found anywhere. Its form is so simple it can be observed under most any circumstance. Persecuted Christians huddled in a cave or those in a comfortable meeting place can commune as Christ wills. Those at sea or in a hotel in a distant land can partake just as those who are at home with their local church.
Since every Christian is a priest of God ( I Pet. 2:5), no special clergyman is needed. Since the essential emblems are the bread and wine, no holy utensils are required. Since it was ordinary bread and wine, no specially blest or holy supply is needed.
Oh the matchless wisdom of the Lord who ordained this simple, yet glorious feast to keep forever fresh in our minds the price paid at Calvary for our redemption. May we never neglect the occasion or observe this memorial in a light or flippant way.
JHW
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