The Lord's Supper: What, Who, Where, When
A Higher View of the Lord’s Supper
In our evangelical world, the Lord’s Supper (sometimes called communion) doesn’t typically have a high view. It can be seen as a mundane ritual, or tiresome because it extends the service 20 minutes longer into our Sunday lunch.
The Bible presents this meal as a means of grace and as a worshipful declaration.
But sadly, it is very common for churches and believers alike to have a low view of the Lord’s Supper. Some not only encourage partaking of this at home as individuals/family, but also advocate that the elements don’t really matter because, after all, this is symbolic, right?
There is a church that used Skittles and Iced Tea and a Christian rapper that once used apple juice. Some propose whatever you have on hand as long as it memorializes the death of Christ.
This tampering with the Lord’s Supper demonstrates a lack of understanding of who the Head of the church truly is.
Paul said that he received the Lord’s Supper “from the Lord” Himself (1 Corinthians 11:23)! This is indeed a lofty and rightly exalted view of communion. Therefore, may we, along with Jesus and the Apostles, take a higher view of the Lord’s Supper via the Scriptures.
What is the Lord’s Supper?
Following the Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century differing views were awakened by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli as responses to the Roman Catholic Church’s erroneous view that the bread and wine actually become the real body and blood of Christ (transubstantiation) in multiple locations all across the world and celebrated in the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice of Christ all over again.
And like the Reformers, we must reject that view.
However, what the Reformers and what Protestants today can happily agree on is that the Lord’s Supper serves us as a symbol and remembrance of the new covenant we have in Christ: the forgiveness of sins.
This is evident from the three passages in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:14-23) and in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The Lord’s Supper reminds us that our covenant with Christ and the forgiveness of our sins are as real as the elements we hold in our hands (Romans 3:23-25; Ephesians 1:7).
Therefore, following the clear pattern set for us by Christ and the Apostles we must only use the proper elements as He stated for us, i.e. bread and wine. The common substitution of grape juice for wine is for the sake of alcohol-sensitive consciences, and I think biblically we can make room for that (cf. Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8-10).
Who is it For?
The Bible is crystal clear: the Lord’s Supper is only for Christians. To be more specific, it is only for those who have followed through in obedience to the Lord’s first command as Christians in baptism (Matthew 28:18-20).
To be even more specific, it is only for baptized believers who are members of their local church. Christ’s meal is only for Christ’s bride.
Acts 2:42-47 demonstrates it was for all those who heard the preached word of Christ, responded in repentance and faith, were baptized, and who belonged to one another.
This is the embryonic stage of the church, but we see the pattern of hearing the Apostles’ teaching, coming together, having fellowship, and praising God — the establishment of the church.
The Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel accounts and the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 shows us that those who partake in the Lord’s Supper are only those who are in the new covenant. Only those who can “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV).
While the Lord’s Supper is indeed for sinners, it is yet limited to repentant sinners. And therefore requires self-examination, confession of sins, and perhaps reconciliation with a church member prior to the meal.
Where Can We Practice?
Are we allowed to take at home? Or how about in a nursing home? What about those who are homebound?
From the texts found in the New Testament (and the pattern of the Passover from Exodus 12 into the Gospel accounts), the Lord’s Supper appears to be reserved only for the local assembly of the saints in the church. Again, Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 makes five references to the phrase “when you come together” (v.17, 18, 20, 33, 34, ESV).
This meal is not between you and Christ alone! Instead, the Lord’s Supper is to be a shared family meal with the people of God under the blood of Christ.
There may be exceptions for nursing home residents or shut-ins — however, I think the biblical pattern is that the Lord’s Supper is God’s special means of grace towards His gathered church.
And for those who can’t gather, we trust are unable under their Father’s sovereign, watchful eye, not in rebellion, but due to His providence in their life. The glory of the local church enables us to look around at all those whom Christ has redeemed with you.
When Should We Partake?
There are an array of answers on this topic because it doesn’t seem to be completely clear. From the Scriptures, one could make the argument that this should be done weekly as you assemble (cf. Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 11:18, 20, 33). And this may be the case.
Some would respond with this weakening the importance of the meal due to frequency, but we don’t treat any other obedience like this (such as prayer, Scripture reading, preaching, evangelism, loving neighbor, etc.).
These passages don’t give commands, but only a picture of the early church. And yet, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t model likewise.
However, many differ on the frequency of this family meal — and biblically, this doesn’t appear to be disobedient or disruptive of God’s establishment of the ordinance. Therefore, we are happy to differ on whether we do this weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
The good news is that there is always more refreshment and grace in Christ reserved for us each Lord’s Day.
The Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ’s immovable love for us and the splendor of the feast to come in heaven with Christ.
