Category I: Sacraments (2 of 2)

Jesus commanded it. "Do this." Not "consider doing this" or "if you feel like it." Do this.

What Christians Agree On

Nearly all Christians agree that the Lord's Supper is commanded by Christ, a memorial (done "in remembrance of me"), a proclamation (you "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"), repeated regularly (the early church celebrated it often), and serious (not to be taken lightly — 1 Corinthians 11:27–30).

Where Christians Disagree: WHAT Happens at the Lord's Supper?

This is one of the most divisive issues in church history. Wars have been fought over it. Reformers were burned at the stake over it.

View 1: Transubstantiation (Roman Catholic) The belief: When the priest consecrates the bread and wine, they are literally transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ. The accidents (appearance, taste, texture) remain bread and wine, but the substance becomes Christ's flesh and blood. Who holds this: Roman Catholics.

View 2: Consubstantiation / Real Presence (Lutheran) The belief: Christ is truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. Luther refused to explain HOW it works — he just affirmed Christ's words. Who holds this: Lutherans, some Anglicans.

View 3: Spiritual Presence (Reformed/Calvinist) The belief: Christ is spiritually present when believers partake by faith. Something real happens. But it's spiritual, not physical. Who holds this: Reformed/Presbyterian, many Anglicans.

View 4: Memorial / Symbolic (Baptist/Evangelical) The belief: The bread and wine are symbols that remind us of Christ's body and blood. The Lord's Supper is a memorial meal, a proclamation of the gospel, and a time of reflection. Who holds this: Baptists, most evangelicals and non-denominational churches.

Arguments for a literal/physical presence:

• Jesus said, "This IS my body," not "this represents my body"
• John 6:53–56 uses strong language about eating flesh and drinking blood
• Paul warns that eating unworthily brings judgment (1 Corinthians 11:29–30) — why, if it's just a symbol?

Arguments for a symbolic/memorial view:

• Jesus often spoke symbolically ("I am the door," "I am the vine")
• His body was standing there when He said "This is my body"
• Paul calls it "remembrance" and "proclamation" (1 Corinthians 11:24–26)

What matters most: You obey Christ's command. You examine yourself. You proclaim His death. You do it with reverence.

How to Approach the Lord's Supper

Regardless of your theological position, here's how to participate:

1. Examine Yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28)

Before you eat: Confess known sin. Don't come with unconfessed rebellion. Reconcile with others if you're in conflict (Matthew 5:23–24). Check your heart. Are you coming casually, or with reverence?

Paul warns:

"For this reason, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord… For the one who eats and drinks without careful regard for the body eats and drinks judgment against himself. That is why many of you are weak and sick, and quite a few are dead."

— 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29–30 (NET)

This is serious. Don't treat it lightly.

2. Remember Christ's Death

The bread: His body, broken for you (Isaiah 53:5). The cup: His blood, poured out for you (Matthew 26:28).

Meditate on the cross. This is what it cost to save you.

3. Proclaim the Gospel

"For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

— 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NET)

Every time you take Communion, you're preaching the gospel — to yourself, to the church, to the watching world.

4. Look Forward to the Marriage Supper

"For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

— Luke 22:18 (NET)

The Lord's Supper points forward. One day, you'll eat and drink with Jesus in His kingdom (Revelation 19:9 — the marriage supper of the Lamb).

Every Communion is a foretaste of that feast.

Application This Week:

Next time you take Communion: Spend ten minutes beforehand in self-examination and confession. Meditate on the cross while you partake. Thank God for His grace. Renew your commitment to follow Christ.

If your church doesn't celebrate Communion regularly, talk to your pastor. The early church did it often. You should too.