Baptism The Lords Supper

Baptism And
The Lord’s Supper
by Richard W. De Haan

The Meaning Of Baptism
o begin our study on the ordinances of the church, I

T would like to focus your attention on baptism. In the
first two lessons we will explore its meaning and its
relationship to salvation, then we will consider what the
Bible teaches about the Lord’s Supper.
You may have noticed that I referred to baptism as an
ordinance—not a sacrament—of the church. I did so for a
very definite reason. There are those who, in using the term
sacrament to apply to baptism, view it wrongly as a means
of imparting some special grace. I realize that there are some
who use the word sacrament without any such intended
application. However, because of the wrong connotation given
the term by others, I prefer to call baptism an ordinance
rather than a sacrament.

© RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

SACRAMENTALISM be washed away just before
When the word sacrament he died.
was first applied to baptism By the 12th century, as
in the latter part of the many as 30 different rites
second century AD, it and ceremonies were being
was associated with some practiced in the church. These
erroneous ideas that had been were called either “mysteries”
drawn into Christendom from or “sacraments.” That number,
the Greek mystery religions. of course, has been gradually
The converts from paganism reduced, but the term
were accustomed to having sacrament has been retained.
cleansing ceremonies for And for many it still refers
spiritual purification, and to something that provides a
they began to think of special means of grace. These
baptism as a means by which people therefore think of
the stain of sin was removed. salvation as a combination
These former pagans had of faith, good works, and
been involved in practices the sacraments. The biblical
they had looked on as having teaching of salvation by grace
special powers, so it was only through faith alone has been
a small step for them to view lost to them.
the waters of baptism as Yes, sacramentalism is
possessing redemptive value. still with us today. Because
Constantine, the of the misleading connotation
Roman emperor who attached to the word
made Christianity the state sacrament, I repeat my
religion in the fourth century, conviction that we should be
reportedly postponed his very careful to refer to the
baptism until he was on his ordinances rather than the
deathbed. We presume that sacraments of the church. So
he hoped all his sins would important is it that we make
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plain the way of salvation by I would gladly encourage
grace through faith —apart him to be baptized.
from works or ritual—that In this series of lessons
even in our terminology we will discuss only two
we must avoid giving the ordinances, baptism and the
impression that baptism Lord’s Supper, rather than the
has any saving power. so-called “seven sacraments of
I would never baptize the church.” There are those
anyone who had the idea that who insist that baptism,
doing so would wash away his confirmation, penance,
sin. If I were the pastor of a the partaking of the bread
local church and someone and the wine, ordination,
requested to be baptized, I marriage, and extreme
would first ask him if he unction are all to be
knew its meaning. I’d make recognized as sacramental.
sure he understood that it has They therefore look on each
no saving power whatever. I of these observances as a
would then want to hear from means by which supernatural
his own lips a clear testimony grace is received. According
that he has recognized what to this belief:
the Lord Jesus accomplished • Baptism is thought to
for him at Calvary through wash away the stain of
His sacrifice for sin, and that sin.
he has placed his trust in • Confirmation (which
Christ, and in Him alone, for includes laying on of
salvation. Being assured of hands, anointing, and
that, and satisfied that he prayers) is said to
recognized baptism as an bestow the sevenfold
ordinance rather than a grace of the Holy Spirit
sacrament of the church (that on the person who has
it has no redemptive value), already been baptized.
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• In penance, the near death are anointed
forgiveness of post- with oil and prayed over.
baptism mortal sins This is done, supposedly,
is supposedly obtained to impart special grace,
by those who are truly enabling the dying soul
sorry for their sin, make to confide in the mercy
confession, and perform of God and to resist
the duties imposed the final attacks and
on them. temptations of the devil.
• In ordination, a special The idea of supernatural
grace is said to be given bestowment of grace through
for the work and the ritual is prominent in each
temptations involved of these seven “sacraments.”
in serving God. We don’t see it this way.
• When the bread and Rather than recognizing seven
wine are blessed, it sacraments which are claimed
is asserted that they to impart some spiritual
actually become the graces, we observe only two
body and blood of Christ, ordinances: baptism and the
and that the one who Lord’s Supper. We see them as
partakes of them receives symbolizing certain spiritual
a measure of grace. realities.
• In marriage, the man Some religious groups
and woman joined in recognize a third church
wedlock are said to ordinance—foot-washing.
receive grace to Following the example of
discharge faithfully the Christ with His disciples,
duties of the marital they engage in that practice
state until death. as an outward expression of
• In extreme unction, humility, and of their willing
those who appear to be submission to one another.
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Although we may not follow those phrases into a rather
that custom, we do respect lengthy statement.
those born-again believers You may wonder how we
who do. can address all those differing
With all of this in mind, views in only two lessons.
let’s take a closer look at the Well, it’s impossible. But I am
ordinance of water baptism. not interested in discussing
those details about baptism
WATER BAPTISM which do not affect our sense
Now, I realize that I of oneness in Christ. My
am discussing a very primary disagreement is
controversial subject. with those who make
Differing views about water baptism essential to
the mode of baptism, its salvation—who teach that it
recipients, and its formula actually washes away sin or
are sincerely held and taught contributes to the new birth.
by various churches. Some I am further troubled by
say immersion is the proper someone who says, “Unless
way to baptize; others think you are baptized by someone
sprinkling or pouring is in our group for the remission
acceptable. Some insist of sins, you cannot be sure
that only believers should you are going to heaven.” So
be baptized, while others in this chapter and the next,
affirm that babies should I’d like to concentrate on the
be included. Some ministers following two questions:
say, “I baptize you in the • What is the meaning
name of Jesus.” Others follow of baptism?
the formula, “I baptize you in • Does baptism save?
the name of the Father, and There should be no doubt
of the Son, and of the Holy about the answers. First let’s
Spirit.” Still others combine address the question:
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WHAT IS THE Paul then drew an analogy
MEANING OF between the first Adam, who
BAPTISM? brought condemnation and
The answer is found in death by his one act of
Romans 6:1-7. To appreciate disobedience, and Jesus
what the apostle was saying Christ, the last Adam, who
here, we should keep in mind provided justification and
that in the preceding chapters life for all through His
(Rom. 3–5) Paul convincingly one act of obedience.
established the truth that In the first five chapters
salvation is by grace through of Romans, the apostle stated
faith. After indicating the clearly that salvation is
depth of human sinfulness received by faith and faith
and emphasizing the failure alone. Knowing that some
of the law to bring salvation, people would misunderstand
he made it clear that the or deliberately misrepresent
only way a holy God declares his teaching, Paul anticipated
sinners righteous is through an objection by saying:
their faith in Christ, the What shall we say then?
perfect sacrifice for sin (see Shall we continue in sin
Rom. 3:19-28). To demonstrate that grace may abound?
that human works have (Rom. 6:1).
nothing to do with salvation, In answer to his own
Paul pointed out that question, he went on to say:
Abraham was justified before Certainly not! How shall
he was circumcised (see 4:1- we who died to sin live any
12). He said in Romans 5:1: longer in it? (v.2).
Therefore, having been When a person receives the
justified by faith, we have Lord Jesus as his Savior, he
peace with God through dies to the domination of sin.
our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, in Christ believers have
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died to sin, and this is the condemnation and bondage of
truth signified in baptism. By sin and brought into a life of
going down into the waters of peace with God and triumph
baptism, we who have placed over sin. Baptism, therefore,
our trust in Christ testify that has served symbolically as an
through our union with Him introductory rite from the Day
we have been buried with of Pentecost onward. It is the
Him in His death. Having new believer’s first step of
died to sin, we are no longer obedience. It is his public
under its condemnation or identification with Christ.
bondage. Then, our emergence The apostle said:
from the waters of baptism Do you not know that
signifies that through our as many of us as were
union with the living Lord we baptized into Christ Jesus
have been raised from death were baptized into His
with Him. We now have new death? (Rom. 6:3).
life—that which gives us When Paul made reference
spiritual victory. Here is what to believers being “baptized
the apostle himself told us: into Christ Jesus,” he used an
Therefore we were buried expression that’s identical in
with Him through baptism construction to a statement in
into death, that just as 1 Corinthians 10:2, where he
Christ was raised from said that the Israelites were
the dead by the glory of “baptized into Moses.” The
the Father, even so we also Israelites, having already
should walk in newness of chosen to follow Moses out of
life (Rom. 6:4). Egypt, were openly identified
Water baptism speaks with him when they passed
of our identification with through the Red Sea. In like
Christ. By that identification manner, we become followers
we are delivered from the of the Lord Jesus the moment
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we place our trust in Him. Logically they were
And in our baptism “into distinguishable, but in
Christ Jesus,” we openly practice they were all
identify ourselves with Him bound up with the
as our leader and guide. transition from the old
In his book Epistle To The life to the new (Revell,
Ephesians, F. F. Bruce made 1961, p.70).
this statement in reference to Baptism, then, is a
the words in Ephesians 4:5, testimony of our death to
“One Lord, one faith, one sin, of our severance from its
baptism”: domination, and of our pledge
Baptism in water to live a new life through our
continued to be the faith-union with Jesus Christ.
outward visible sign by During the first century,
which individuals who baptism quickly followed
believed the gospel . . . salvation and was closely
were publicly incorporated associated with membership
into this spirit-baptized in the local church.
fellowship—“baptized into No one should ever make
Christ” (Gal. 3:27). It must the mistake of depending on
be remembered that in baptism as a basis of his hope
New Testament times for heaven. Whether baptized
repentance and faith, by sprinkling, pouring,
regeneration and immersion, or all three, a
conversion, baptism in person may still be unsaved.
water, reception of the The only way you receive
Holy Spirit, . . . admission the forgiveness of sin and
to church fellowship . . . the gift of everlasting life
were all part of a complex is through a personal
of events which took place acceptance of the Lord Jesus
within a short time. . . . Christ as your Savior.
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Baptism And next day, weak as he was, he
Salvation testified of his faith in Christ
to everyone who entered his
minister who was room. Then he lapsed into

A called to the bedside
of a dying man
promised he would return to
a coma and died without
regaining consciousness.
The question arises: Did
serve him communion. Then that man go to heaven? Some
he offered a formal prayer people would have serious
and left. But the patient doubts about it. This is
failed to find much comfort because they believe it’s
in the preacher’s promise. He essential to be baptized in
knew very well he had sinned order to be saved and to
against God and needed have our sins washed away.
forgiveness. How a ritualistic
observance of the Lord’s
Supper could possibly do m Does baptism
him any good made no sense save? Does it
to him, and he couldn’t sleep wash away sin?
that night. When a nurse
came in and found him Does it contribute
awake, she engaged him in in any way to the
conversation, read him some new birth? n
verses from the Bible, and
then had the joy of leading
him to Christ. And what a Therefore, I would like
transformation! That dying us to consider the questions:
man experienced at once the Does baptism save? Does
joy of forgiveness and the it wash away sin? Does it
assurance of being accepted contribute in any way to the
into the family of God. The new birth? The answers will
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become evident as we review In this verse Peter was
the passages of Scripture that addressing the same people
are usually referred to as who not only cried out for the
proof that a person must be execution of Christ but also
baptized by water to be saved. declared, “His blood be on
We have already seen in us and on our children” (Mt.
our first lesson that Romans 27:25). Here he commanded
6:3 does not indicate that them to repent—that is, to
there is any saving power change their minds––and
in baptism. to be baptized in the name
Some people believe, of Jesus Christ “for the
however, that several other remission of sins.” Does
passages of Scripture do teach that mean that baptism
or suggest that baptism is is the agent of forgiveness?
essential to being born again. In other words, is a person
So let’s look at those verses to baptized so that he can
see if they really do portray receive forgiveness of sin?
baptism as having power to No! Baptism is a testimony
wash away sins. that the one baptized has
already changed his mind
ACTS 2:38 about Christ. Accepting
This is the verse most often Him instead of rejecting
quoted by those who believe Him, he has experienced
that baptism is necessary the forgiveness of sin.
for salvation. It says: What does Acts 2:38
Repent, and let every one mean when it says, “Repent,
of you be baptized in the . . . and be baptized . . . for
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”? Here
the remission of sins; and is a possible explanation.
you shall receive the gift A. T. Robertson, a well-known
of the Holy Spirit. Greek scholar, has pointed out
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that the Greek preposition centurion Cornelius, the Holy
eis, translated “for” in the Spirit came upon the entire
phrase “for the remission household when they believed
of sins,” may also mean (see Acts 10:44-48). Even
because of. An example of during that transition period
this can be found in Luke in the early days of the
11:32, where the text says church, therefore, people
that the people of Nineveh were saved and received
“repented at the preaching the Holy Spirit before they
of Jonah.” The word at is were baptized in water.
a translation of the same A second verse quoted by
Greek term eis found in those who teach that water
Acts 2:38. The people of baptism has some special
Jonah’s day, you see, did not spiritual efficacy is:
repent for his preaching but
because of it. ACTS 22:16
Then too, according to In this passage, Ananias said
some Greek scholars the word to the recently converted Saul
eis (translated “for” in Acts of Tarsus:
2:38) may also mean, “with Arise and be baptized,
a view toward.” According to and wash away your
that possible meaning, the sins, calling on the
people to whom Peter was name of the Lord.
preaching were to repent In trying to understand
and be baptized with a view the meaning of the words
toward the forgiveness of “Arise and be baptized, and
their sins. Acts 2:38 does wash away your sins,” we
not teach that baptism brings must follow this basic rule of
the remission of sins. Bible study: Interpret every
When Peter preached verse in the light of the clear
the gospel to the Roman teaching set forth in the rest
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of Scripture. Since the truth waited in the days of
of justification by faith is Noah, while the ark was
declared plainly in the Bible, being prepared, in which
we know that Saul was a few, that is, eight souls,
forgiven the very moment he were saved through water.
met Christ on the Damascus There is also an antitype
Road and believed on Him. which now saves us—
We are therefore safe in baptism (not the removal
concluding that his baptism of the filth of the flesh,
was the outward and physical but the answer of a good
sign of his inward and conscience toward God),
spiritual cleansing from through the resurrection
sin by the grace of God. of Jesus Christ.
Another passage often What did Peter mean in
misinterpreted as teaching verse 21 when he said, “There
that baptism plays a part is also an antitype which now
in saving us is: saves us—baptism”? Was he
indicating that water baptism
1 PETER 3:18-21 in itself has any saving
The passage reads as follows: power? No, not at all! Rather,
For Christ also suffered he saw the waters of baptism
once for sins, the just for in much the same way he did
the unjust, that He might the deluge in Noah’s day.
bring us to God, being put Although those floodwaters
to death in the flesh but destroyed a wicked world of
made alive by the Spirit, sinners, they in turn saved
by whom also He went and Noah and his family by
preached to the spirits in buoying them up as they rode
prison, who formerly were out the storm in the ark. In
disobedient, when once that sense, Peter could say in
the Divine longsuffering verse 20 that “a few, that is,
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eight souls, were saved good conscience toward God”
through water.” We know, (1 Pet. 3:21). Peter was not
of course, that the waters talking about the outward
saved them indirectly. They washing of the body; he was
escaped by floating in the ark speaking of what is really
while everything else was necessary––an inward
being submerged. And the spiritual cleansing that is
deliverance of Noah’s family experienced only by those
under those circumstances who have received Christ’s
reminded Peter of baptism. forgiveness. No, baptism itself
Referring to the “eight souls does not remove sin. It is a
. . . saved through water,” symbolic testimony of an
he said, “There is also an inner cleansing that has
antitype which now saves already occurred.
us—baptism” (1 Pet. 3:21). Now a few comments
Even as Noah and his family about one other passage that
in the ark were “saved” by the is sometimes mistakenly
very same waters that judged related to water baptism.
the rest of the world, so also
the waters of God’s judgment TITUS 3:5
poured out on Christ at The verse reads:
Calvary for the sins of the Not by works of
world became the means righteousness which
whereby all who are in the we have done, but
ark of safety, the Lord Jesus according to His mercy
Christ, are saved. He saved us, through the
Please notice that Peter washing of regeneration
went on to say baptism “saves and renewing of the
us,” figuratively. It is “not the Holy Spirit.
removal of the filth of the Paul indicated in this
flesh, but the answer of a verse that God has saved us
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“through the washing of passed away; behold, all
regeneration and renewing things have become new
of the Holy Spirit.” This has (2 Cor. 5:17).
been taken by some as a The implied reference
reference to baptism, and to water in the word washing
they therefore conclude in Titus 3:5 should be
that baptism is essential understood in the light of
to regeneration. the Old Testament. In the
In speaking of the ritual of the Mosaic economy,
“washing of regeneration,” as recorded in Leviticus,
however, the apostle was water was used as a symbol
referring to a cleansed life, of cleansing. And when the
not baptism. In verse 3, he prophet Ezekiel portrayed
had spoken of the unsaved as Israel’s future conversion,
“foolish, disobedient, deceived, he quoted God’s promise
serving various lusts and as follows:
pleasures, living in malice Then I will sprinkle
and envy, hateful and hating clean water on you, and
one another.” In verse 5, he you shall be clean; I will
went on to declare that “not cleanse you from all your
by works of righteousness filthiness and from all
which we have done, but your idols (36:25).
according to His mercy The washing of
He saved us, through the regeneration, therefore,
washing of regeneration.” is a fitting symbol of the
That speaks of the cleansing cleansing that the believer
that accompanies the new receives from God through
birth. the new birth. With this in
Therefore, if anyone is mind, read what Paul wrote
in Christ, he is a new to the Ephesians:
creation; old things have Husbands, love your
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wives, just as Christ also option for Christians. Doing
loved the church and gave the will of God is never an
Himself for her, that He optional matter. The Lord
might sanctify and Jesus gave His disciples this
cleanse her with the clear command:
washing of water by the Go therefore and make
word (Eph. 5:25-26). disciples of all the nations,
The “washing of water baptizing them in the
by the word” is related to name of the Father and
spiritual cleansing. Water of the Son and of the
baptism is not a means of Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19).
regeneration or spiritual And on the Day of
cleansing; rather, it is Pentecost, the record says:
symbolic of salvation and Then those who gladly
the spiritual cleansing we received his word were
enjoy through our union baptized; and that day
with Christ by faith. about three thousand souls
Even though baptism has were added to them. And
no power to save us from our they continued steadfastly
sins, we must be careful not in the apostles’ doctrine
to minimize its place in the and fellowship, in the
life of a Christian. Because breaking of bread, and in
baptism has no saving prayers (Acts 2:41-42).
efficacy and is not mandatory These 3,000 people
for salvation, some believers converted on the Day of
have concluded that it’s really Pentecost are models for
quite unimportant. But us. They believed, they were
they’re wrong! Although it’s baptized, they gathered for
true that baptism is not instruction, they broke bread
essential to salvation, this with one another, and they
does not make it merely an prayed together.
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Baptism is important. penalty was paid in full.
It’s a testimony to the Then receive Him. In other
believer’s identification with words, by an act of faith, place
Christ. And if you know Him your trust in Him. The Bible
as Savior, the Lord wants you says that “whoever calls on
to be baptized and to identify the name of the Lord shall
with a local assembly of be saved” (Rom. 10:13). After
believers who meet for you have done that, your next
the preaching of the steps should be baptism and
Word, the administration church membership—not in
of the ordinances, and the order to be saved but because
practice of mutual nurture, you have already experienced
admonition, and discipline. the saving grace of God by
If you are born again but placing your faith in Christ.
have not been baptized, or The Bible gives this promise:
have not united with a local If you confess with your
church that is true to the mouth the Lord Jesus
Word, I urge you to do so. and believe in your heart
Perhaps you have never that God has raised Him
accepted the Lord Jesus from the dead, you will
Christ as your personal be saved. For with the
Savior. I would remind you heart one believes unto
that salvation through a righteousness, and with
personal belief in Christ is the mouth confession is
first and foremost. Admit made unto salvation
your spiritual need. (Rom. 10:9-10).
Acknowledge that the Lord
Jesus died on the cross to pay
the price for your sins. Agree
that He arose from the dead
as proof that the death
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The Paul wrote the following:
Significance I received from the Lord
that which I also delivered
Of The Lord’s to you: that the Lord Jesus
Supper on the same night in which
He was betrayed took
s we continue our bread; and when He had

A discussion of the
ordinances of the
church, I’d like to consider
given thanks, He broke it
and said, “Take, eat; this
is My body which is
with you the significance broken for you; do this in
of the Lord’s Supper. This remembrance of Me.” In
wonderful event in the life the same manner He also
of a Christian should be: took the cup after supper,
• A Memorial Observance saying, “This cup is the
• A Symbolic Observance new covenant in My blood.
• A Continuing Observance This do, as often as you
• A Church Observance drink it, in remembrance
My prayer is that the Lord of Me” (1 Cor. 11:23-25).
will use this study to give us When Jesus instituted the
a better understanding of the Lord’s Supper, He said, “This
communion service and lead do . . . in remembrance of Me.”
us into a more meaningful Such a reminder hardly
participation. seems necessary—for us nor
First of all, the Lord’s for the disciples. After all,
Supper should be: they would be firsthand
witnesses of those awful
A MEMORIAL scenes leading up to and
OBSERVANCE culminating in the crucifixion.
Beginning with verse 23 of How would they ever forget
1 Corinthians 11, the apostle the agony of Christ in
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Gethsemane? The cruel possible to become so busy
maltreatment during His in the work of the gospel, and
night of trial? His brutal so completely engrossed in
scourging by the Roman contemplating the glory that
soldiers? His journey to awaits us, that we fail to
Golgotha under the weight reflect upon the awful price
of the cross? His wracking that was paid to make it all
pain when the nails were possible.
driven through His hands Remembering the Lord
and feet? Or His God-like as we gather with other
conduct while hanging and believers fills our hearts
dying on the cross? with gratitude. It brings to
Sorry to say, it would our minds those scenes of our
be all too possible even for Lord’s suffering portrayed in
His followers to forget. So the Gospels––the Savior’s
preoccupied could they arrest in Gethsemane, the
become with proclaiming mocking, the scourging, the
the message of forgiveness, abuse at the trial, and the
declaring the truth of the pain and the shame of
resurrection, and solving the His crucifixion. Indeed, the
problems in the churches Lord’s Supper is a touching
they had founded that they memorial.
might seldom reflect deeply How fitting, therefore, is
upon that which they had this hymn written especially
witnessed in Gethsemane for the communion service
and at Golgotha. by James Montgomery:
And friend, we also According to
need the Lord’s Supper as Thy gracious word,
a reminder of what the Lord In meek humility,
Jesus endured for us when He This will I do,
died to pay for our sins. It’s my dying Lord:
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I will remember Thee. in His own body on the
Remember Thee tree, that we, having died
and all Thy pains to sins, might live for
And all Thy love to me; righteousness—by whose
Yes, while a breath, stripes you were healed
a pulse remains, (1 Pet. 2:22-24).
Will I remember Thee. Jesus, the sinless
Then, too, the Lord’s Supper One, took our sins upon
should be: Himself. Yes, He became our
substitute, bearing our sins
A SYMBOLIC in His own body on the cross.
OBSERVANCE He died to provide forgiveness
The elements of the Table of and life for a world of sinners.
the Lord are symbols of what This is what we should
was involved in His sacrifice remember when we partake
as the Lamb of God in of the bread in our observance
providing our salvation. of the Lord’s Supper.
The bread represents the The cup symbolizes the
body of Christ. In chapter 2 blood of the Lord Jesus, which
of his first epistle, the apostle was shed to pay for the sins of
Peter said this about the Lord the world. In verse 24 of Mark
Jesus: 14, we are told that as Jesus
Who committed no sin, nor and His disciples were eating
was deceit found in His the Passover meal He said,
mouth; who, when He was “This is My blood of the new
reviled, did not revile in covenant, which is shed for
return; when He suffered, many.” Therefore, in the
He did not threaten, but communion service, as we
committed Himself to Him hold the cup in our hands,
who judges righteously; we should thank God for the
who Himself bore our sins blood of Christ, which was
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shed to secure our redemption sure His disciples knew that
and to cleanse us from sin. He was speaking figuratively.
The bread and the cup They certainly did not expect
are symbolic of the body and to see Him as an actual vine!
blood of the Lord Jesus. Rather, they recognized what
They remind us of what He He was saying to be symbolic.
endured to provide salvation, With Christ portrayed as a
pointing to that event on vine, and His followers as
which we base our hope for the branches, the truth of our
all eternity. union with and dependence
Some people claim that on Him is taught in a forceful
when the bread and wine are and unique manner.
consecrated, they change into Our Lord also used
the actual body and blood of figurative language when He
Christ. They object to our said, “I am the door” (Jn. 10:9)
speaking of the bread and and “I am the bread of life”
wine as symbols. To support (6:35). Now, no one in Jesus’
their claim, they remind us day believed that Jesus was
that Jesus said in reference to claiming to be an actual door
the bread and the cup, “This made of wood or an actual
is My body” and “This is My piece of bread. He was
blood.” He did not say, they speaking figuratively. And
argue, “This bread symbolizes when He referred to the
My body” or “This wine bread and the wine, He
symbolizes My blood.” We declared, “This is My body”
should remember, however, and “This is My blood.” We
that the Lord Jesus on should understand that He
occasion used symbolic or was simply using figurative
figurative language. In John language.
15, for example, He referred I should also point out
to Himself as “the vine.” I’m a serious error in doctrine
20

related to the claim that the but the life that He lives,
bread and the wine actually He lives to God (6:10).
become the flesh and blood And we find these words
of Christ. Some who take this in the book of Hebrews:
view go on to conclude that As it is appointed for men
the Lord Jesus is crucified to die once, but after this
again every time the bread the judgment, so Christ
and the wine are partaken of. was offered once to bear the
sins of many. To those who
eagerly wait for Him He
m The Bible will appear a second time,
makes it very apart from sin, for
salvation (9:27-28).
clear that the And Hebrews 10:12,14
sacrifice of says:
Christ on But this Man, after He
had offered one sacrifice
the cross was a for sins forever, sat down at
once-and-for-all the right hand of God . . . .
payment for For by one offering He has
perfected forever those who
sin.n are being sanctified.
Christ died only once.
The Bible, however, makes it He arose from the grave
very clear that the sacrifice only once. He ascended into
of Christ on the cross was a heaven only once. He is now
once-and-for-all payment for seated at the right hand of
sin. In the book of Romans, God, where He will remain
Paul said this about Christ: until He raptures His saints,
For the death that He died, judges them, and returns to
He died to sin once for all; earth as its rightful king. He
21

is in glory, exalted at the for I say to you, I will no
Father’s right hand—and He’s longer eat of it until it is
there in His glorified physical fulfilled in the kingdom
body. He is spiritually present of God.” Then He took the
everywhere, but in His cup, and gave thanks, and
glorified body He lives in said, “Take this and divide
heaven. The idea, therefore, it among yourselves; for I
that the bread and wine say to you, I will not drink
actually become the body of the fruit of the vine
and blood of Christ, that He is until the kingdom of God
somehow crucified repeatedly, comes.” And He took bread,
is completely foreign to the gave thanks and broke it,
teaching of the Bible. and gave it to them, saying,
In addition to being a “This is My body which is
memorial and a symbolic given for you; do this in
observance, the Lord’s remembrance of Me.”
Supper should be: Likewise He also took the
cup after supper, saying,
A CONTINUING “This cup is the new
OBSERVANCE covenant in My blood,
The Lord Jesus Himself which is shed for you”
established this ordinance. (Lk. 22:14-20).
Referring to Christ, the Following the example of
Gospel writer Luke told us: Christ, assemblies of believers
When the hour had come, from the earliest days of the
He sat down, and the church to the present time
twelve apostles with Him. have observed the Lord’s
Then He said to them, Supper. We are told that the
“With fervent desire I have first company of believers,
desired to eat this Passover those 3,000 men and women
with you before I suffer; converted on the Day of
22

Pentecost, “continued A CHURCH
steadfastly in the apostles’ OBSERVANCE
doctrine and fellowship, in Communion should be
the breaking of bread, and in observed in or under the
prayers” (Acts 2:42). And that supervision of the local
practice continued. In Acts church whenever possible.
20:7 we are told that “on the Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
first day of the week, when is a solemn matter. It’s rich in
the disciples came together significance and awesome in
to break bread, Paul, ready what it portrays; so much
to depart the next day, spoke so that carelessness in
to them and continued his its practice among the
message until midnight.” Corinthian believers had
In Paul’s first epistle to resulted in illness and even
the believers in Corinth, he death for some of them.
made it evident that the Paul wrote:
Lord’s Supper was still He who eats and drinks in
being commemorated. In an unworthy manner eats
fact, the apostle said: and drinks judgment to
For as often as you eat himself, not discerning the
this bread and drink Lord’s body. For this reason
this cup, you proclaim many are weak and sick
the Lord’s death till He among you, and many
comes (1 Cor. 11:26). sleep (1 Cor. 11:29-30).
And that is why believers We must therefore
everywhere continue to be careful to make the
remember Jesus’ death observance of the Lord’s Table
through this ordinance. a meaningful experience. We
Finally, the Lord’s must issue warnings against
Supper should also be entering into it carelessly or
recognized as: irreverently. We must also
23

realize that this can best be say that one is right and
done under the supervision the others are wrong. Rather,
of the local church. “let each be fully convinced
I’m not saying that the in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5).
Lord’s Supper can only be Regardless of any differences
observed in a church. There we may have about the
are times when believers frequency of the communion
might be isolated from an service, we should all agree
organized body of believers on this: It must be conducted
because of distance or with reverence and with a
circumstances. I’m thinking of solemn reflection upon the
Christians who are confined great price paid for our
to homes or hospitals because salvation by the Lord
of illness. These believers Jesus Christ.
should not be deprived of the To summarize,
privilege of remembering our the Lord’s Supper is a
Lord’s death, though I believe memorial observance,
they should be served the a symbolic observance, a
elements by a representative continuing observance, and a
of the local church. church observance. It reminds
Before concluding, let me us of the great sacrifice
say just a few words about involved in providing for our
the frequency of observing the salvation. The bread and the
Lord’s Supper. Some believers cup are symbols of the body
“break bread” every Sunday, and blood of Christ. We are to
others do it monthly, and still continue our remembrance of
others only once a quarter. Christ “till He comes.” And, if
The Scriptures give no possible, the observance of
command as to how often the Lord’s Supper should
it should be observed. We be under the supervision
therefore cannot dogmatically of the local church.
24

The imperfections, and so
Observance frightened by Paul’s
warning in 1 Corinthians 11
Of The Lord’s about eating and drinking
Supper “unworthily,” that they either
take communion with great
n many churches today, fear or they stay away from

I the celebration of the
Lord’s Supper is simply
tacked on to the end of a
the service altogether.
To help avoid these
two extremes, I would like to
regular service. It’s almost suggest three characteristics
like an afterthought. A few of a proper observance
verses of Scripture are of the Lord’s Supper. A
quickly read, a brief prayer correct understanding of its
is offered, and the elements significance will not keep us
are distributed. In this kind of away from the communion
atmosphere it is doubtful that table; rather, it will draw
anyone can give much serious us to it and encourage us to
thought to the significance participate in a conscientious
of the occasion. As a result, and meaningful way.
many worshipers leave their When the Lord’s Supper
churches holding the same is observed properly, there
grudges and nursing the should be:
same hatreds they had • Sincere Appreciation
when they entered. • Self-Examination
Not everyone, of course, • Brotherly Consideration
takes such an attitude toward My prayer is that this
the observance of the Lord’s study will help God’s children
Table. In fact, some go to come to the Table of the Lord
the opposite extreme. They in a way that is pleasing to
are so conscious of their Him and with an attitude
25

that brings the greatest Please notice that we are
blessing. told in verse 17, Jesus took
The first characteristic the cup and gave thanks. And
of a proper observance of the in verse 19 we read that He
Lord’s Table is: took bread and gave thanks.
When our Lord gave thanks,
SINCERE He was not “asking the
APPRECIATION blessing” at a dinner. He and
The very sight of the bread His disciples had already
and the cup (symbolic of the finished the Passover feast.
body and blood of Christ, What our Lord prayed over
reminding us of His great was only some unleavened
sacrifice at Calvary) bread and a cup of wine. He
should fill our hearts with may have been offering
thanksgiving and praise to thanks for what the bread
the Lord. Referring to the and the wine signified—the
Lord Jesus, Luke told us: sacrifice that would provide
He took the cup, and redemption for mankind.
gave thanks, and said, Regardless of the subject of
“Take this and divide it our Savior’s thanksgiving,
among yourselves; for I however, there should be
say to you, I will not drink sincere appreciation and
of the fruit of the vine thanks in our hearts as we
until the kingdom of God partake of the elements.
comes.” And He took bread, The second characteristic
gave thanks and broke it, of a proper observance of the
and gave it to them, saying, Lord’s Supper is:
“This is My body which
is given for you; do this SELF-EXAMINATION
in remembrance of Me” By looking into our own
(Lk. 22:17-19). hearts and lives, we should
26

make sure that there is penal effect of a deed.” Some
nothing unconfessed and say, therefore, that to be
uncorrected which might “guilty of the body and blood
result in our partaking of of the Lord” means that God
the Lord’s Supper unworthily. looks upon the offender (the
Some of the Christians in the one who eats and drinks
early church at Corinth had unworthily) as guilty of
evidently taken a light and crucifying Christ. Ellicott’s
frivolous attitude toward the Commentary On The Whole
Lord’s Supper. The apostle Bible offers this word of
Paul therefore wrote to explanation: “Sin was the
them as follows: cause of that body [of Christ]
Whoever eats this bread or being broken and that blood
drinks this cup of the Lord [of Christ] shed, and therefore
in an unworthy manner the one who unworthily uses
will be guilty of the body the symbols of them becomes
and blood of the Lord. But a participator in the guilt of
let a man examine himself, those who crucified that body
and so let him eat of the and shed that blood.”
bread and drink of the Whether or not you agree
cup. For he who eats and with such an interpretation,
drinks in an unworthy there’s no escaping the fact
manner eats and drinks that a careless and irreverent
judgment to himself, not celebration of the Lord’s
discerning the Lord’s body Supper is a very serious
(1 Cor. 11:27-29). matter. The person who
Please notice what the eats and drinks unworthily
apostle said in verse 27. shows a disregard, almost
The Greek word translated a contempt, for the broken
“guilty” is enochos. It may body and shed blood of the
mean “to be liable to the Savior. That’s why it is very
27

important for us to engage in we wasting time? Are we
careful self-examination when watching the wrong kind of
we come to the Table of the television programs? Are we
Lord. reading books that feed our
The apostle Paul, souls? Are we faithful in our
having indicated the sad spiritual obligations?
consequences of eating and Then, in reference to our
drinking “unworthily,” went motives, we can test ourselves
on to say: by asking questions like
But let a man examine these: Why do we go to
himself, and so let him eat church? Why do we give our
of the bread and drink of financial support to it? Why
the cup (v.28). do we teach Sunday school?
The word examine in that Are we doing what’s right for
verse can mean “to test.” As the right reasons? Or are we
we gather at the Table of the doing what is good to boost
Lord, we have the obligation our own egos or to impress
to test our lives. A good way our peers? Our service for
to do this is to ask ourselves the Lord and what we do for
some probing questions about others ought to be performed
our actions, our motives, and because we love the Lord
our relationships. supremely and our neighbors
First of all, in reference to as ourselves.
our actions, we might raise Finally, in reference to
such questions as these: Are our relationships with
we conducting ourselves like others, we should ask
Christians at home, at work, questions like these:
and in every contact with Are we kind, tenderhearted,
others? Is our language and forgiving? Do we owe
becoming to a Christian? anyone an apology? Do we
What about our habits? Are have wrongs to make right?
28

Are we harboring ill will our sin that nailed Christ to
or an unforgiving spirit the accursed tree, we would
toward those who may be guilty of sacrilege if we
have wronged us? commemorated His great
Yes, as we anticipate sacrifice at Calvary while
eating the bread which living in deliberate sin with
represents the body of Christ, no intention of confessing or
and as we drink from the cup forsaking it. To partake of the
which represents His blood, bread, a symbol of the body of
we must be sensitive to our Christ that was given for us,
sins, our faults, and our and to drink of the cup, a
failures. We should see them symbol of His blood shed for
in the light of the tremendous our sins, while harboring ill
price Christ paid to secure our will toward a brother or sister
redemption. And with that in Christ would be an affront
awareness, we must confess to Him. It would be like
our sins and determine with adding insult to injury. At the
God’s help to forsake them. communion table, therefore,
Doing that, we can claim as we engage in self-
that wonderful promise in examination and our sins
1 John 1:9. and failures come to mind,
If we confess our sins, we should confess them,
He is faithful and just forsake them, and accept the
to forgive us our sins forgiveness of God. Failing
and to cleanse us from to do so—partaking of the
all unrighteousness. elements of the Lord’s Table
Having been cleansed with no concern for the sin
“from all unrighteousness,” in our lives—can result in
therefore, we will not be chastening. If we do judge
eating and drinking ourselves, however, the
unworthily. Since it was punishing hand of God
29

can be avoided. Paul said: for the Lord’s Supper.
He who eats and drinks What a difference it
in an unworthy manner would make in the Christian
eats and drinks judgment community, and in society at
to himself, not discerning large, if we who profess to
the Lord’s body. For this believe in Christ would be
reason many are weak careful to avoid eating and
and sick among you, and drinking unworthily at the
many sleep. For if we Table of the Lord! If we all
would judge ourselves, observed this, no believers
we would not be judged would ever remain at odds
(1 Cor. 11:29-31). with one another. We
Of course, not all would all forgive each
weakness, not all sickness, other freely, even as
not all death is the result Christ has forgiven us. If
of such judgment. In fact, we obeyed this command,
it could very well be that the misunderstandings that
God is not judging abuses cause so much strife and
at the Lord’s Table in our tension would melt away.
day in exactly the same Relationships in our homes,
way as in the early church. in our churches, and in our
Regardless of the manner places of employment—yes,
in which the heavenly everywhere—would be
Father chooses to chastise revolutionized. The watching
His children, the apostle’s world would be impressed.
words about the consequences And those around us would
of eating and drinking see that Christ really does
unworthily should encourage make a difference in the lives
us to engage in sincere of those who have placed
self-examination and honest their trust in Him.
self-judgment in preparation The third characteristic
30

of a proper observance of the truth that they all shared a
Lord’s Supper is: common salvation and made
up one body. Yes, as we gather
BROTHERLY with our brothers and sisters
CONSIDERATION in Christ at the Table of the
The apostle Paul, writing Lord, we should be conscious
in 1 Corinthians 10 said: of our oneness with those who
The cup of blessing partake of the elements with
which we bless, is it not us. Although we eat only an
the communion of the individual piece of bread, we
blood of Christ? The bread should keep in mind that as
which we break, is it not believers we are all members
the communion of the body of one body—the body of
of Christ? For we, though Christ. As born-again
many, are one bread believers, we all share the
and one body; for we wonderful benefits of our
all partake of that one Savior’s atoning work at
bread (vv.16-17). Calvary.
Some believe that Paul’s One of the glories of the
words in verse 17, “we all Christian faith is that we are
partake of that one bread,” all made spiritual equals
may reflect a practice in through salvation. Rich
the early church. A sheet and poor alike become the
of unleavened bread children of God, members
was passed through the of His family. The millionaire
congregation. Each believer and the pauper, when placing
broke off a piece for himself. their trust in Christ, both
The smaller portion denoted experience the same new
the truth that Christ died birth, are indwelt by the
for each individual. And the same Holy Spirit, and share
larger portion spoke of the the same hope. How glorious,
31

therefore, the truth of our if we are completely
equality in Christ! The sincere in our observance
apostle Paul said: of it. We must enter into it
You are all sons of God with sincere appreciation,
through faith in Christ self-examination, and
Jesus. For as many of you brotherly consideration.
as were baptized into If these elements are
Christ have put on Christ. present when we assemble
There is neither Jew nor with fellow believers to
Greek, there is neither remember the Lord’s
slave nor free, there is death, it truly becomes a life-
neither male nor female; transforming commemoration
for you are all one in of our Savior’s love and
Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26-28). sacrifice for us.
Remembering our Lord
as we gather for communion,
we should be very conscious
of our oneness in the Lord
with our fellow believers.
This booklet is taken from messages
We should see them as our
taught by Richard W. De Haan on
brothers and sisters in the Day Of Discovery television
Christ. When we do, there program. Richard was president
is brotherly consideration, and teacher of RBC Ministries from
another characteristic of a 1964 to 1984. He went home to be
with the Lord on July 16, 2002.
proper observance of the
Managing Editor: David Sper
Lord’s Supper.
Cover Photo: Michael Forrest
To summarize, the
Scripture quotations are from the New
communion service King James Version. Copyright © 1982
by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by
should be an edifying and permission. All rights reserved.
strengthening experience,
© 1982, 1994, 2002 RBC Ministries,
but this can happen only Grand Rapids, MI. Printed in USA.

32

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