Questions About the Lord’s Supper
// February 27th, 2010 // View Comments // Bible Study, Mark's stuff
By David Watson
Benchley, January 24, 2010
- What is it?
- A memorial of Jesus instituted by Jesus Himself.
- An indicator of what we believe.
- A communion (sharing, fellowship) with Christ.
- In what manner should it be observed?
- Worthily (sincerely, reverently) – I Corinthians 11:26-30
- What are the elements?
- Mark 14:22-26 – unleavened bread and fruit of the vine
- Transubstantiation – belief that the elements are literally changed into the body and blood of Jesus, although this change is not detectable by the senses.
- Consubstantiation – belief that bread and juice are spiritually the flesh and blood of Jesus, but have not actually changed.
- Neither transubstantiation nor consubstantiation are supported by the scriptures.
- Must we distribute it in one cup?
- This is a figure (metonymy).
- “He couldn’t give up the bottle” is another example of this figure of speech.
- Matthew 10:34; Genesis 6:11; John 1:29; Matthew 3:5-6; I Corinthians 11:25-28; Matthew 26:27-29
- The memorial is what’s singular, not the literal bread/cup. I Corinthians 10:16-17
- This is a figure (metonymy).
- When and how often should we observe it?
- Acts 20:7
- “Bread bread” in Acts 20:7 is the Lord’s Supper
- Acts 2:46; 27:35-36 – sometimes this is a common meal.
- Matthew 26:26; Acts 2:42 – sometimes is it talking about the Lord’s Supper.
- The fact that the Holy Spirit specified a day of the week suggests it is a weekly event.
- The first day of the week is the only day which has special significance in the New Testament.
