COMMUNION

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY - COMMUNION

By Dennis Schmidt 11/2006

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This paper discusses communion (Lord's Supper). The first communion occurred at a Passover Seder service during Jesus' last supper with his disciples. The early church practice communion in various ways and various times. All scriptures are from the King James' Bible version.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME:

Communion is a fellowship with other Christians and with Jesus in his atonement. The believer should prepare for the service by correcting himself first. He is to go back to the cross and remember what Christ has done for him. He is to look forward to the soon return of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:24-26 "And when he had given thanks, he brake <it>, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. {25} After the same manner also <he took> the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink <it>, in remembrance of me. {26} For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come."

PURPOSE:

The meaning and significance of communion is that the broken bread symbolizes Jesus body broken in death for the Christian. Likewise, the cup of wine symbolizes Jesus spilled blood on the cross for the Christian. These elements bear witness to the death of Christ until He returns. The Christian partakes of these elements to show oneness in fellowship with other Christians in Christ.

1) Memorial & remembrance of his life (New Covenant/Testament) and his death on the cross.

Luke 22:19 "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake <it>, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

1 Corinthians 11:24-25 "And when he had given thanks, he brake <it>, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. {25} After the same manner also <he took> the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink <it>, in remembrance of me."

2) Shows the Lord's death until his (second coming) return.

1 Corinthians 11:26 "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come."

3) Shows the churches oneness (fellowship) in Christ atonement.

1 Corinthians 10:17 "we <being> many are one bread, <and> one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread."

KEY VERSE:

Luke 22:17-20 "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: {18} For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. {19} And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. {20} Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

WHO: God written mostly by Bible authors Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: Communion is the partaken of Jesus body and blood to show His death on the cross for Christians oneness as a memorial until Jesus returns in His second coming.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? {17} For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread."

WHY:

1) Memorial & remembrance of his life (New Covenant/Testament) and his death on the cross.

Luke 22:19 "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake <it>, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

2) Shows the Lord's death until his (second coming) return.

1 Corinthians 11:26 "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come."

WAY:

1 Corinthians 11:23-31 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: {24} And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. {25} After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. {26} For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. {:2} Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. {28} But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. {29} For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. {31} For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

WHEREAS: Christians should enjoy God’s love and live their life in praises and thanks.

WHERE: Heaven and earth

WHEN: Decided by each local church, but it should not become merely ritualistic without meaning. This could occur if it is a daily or weekly part of the service.

Daily (Acts 2:46), Weekly (Acts 20:7), as part of an agape (love or charity) feast (1 Corinthians 11:20-26, 2 Peter 2:13 & Jude 12), and yearly during the Passover Seder (Luke 22:7-20).

WHILE:

1 Corinthians 11:28-31 "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. {29} For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. {31} For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) COMMUNION'S OTHER NAMES:

II) SCRIPTURES ON COMMUNION:

III) MAJOR DOCTRINE VIEWS:

IV) RELIGIOUS STATEMENTS ABOUT COMMUNION:

V) HOW OFTEN TO TAKE:

VI) HOW TO PERFORM THE COMMUNION SERVICE:

VII) PREREQUISITES & CONSIDERATIONS:

VIII) CONCLUSION:

I) COMMUNION'S OTHER NAMES:

1) Communion (fellowship): Jesus fellowship in the body & blood. This is the best name for the Lord's body and blood offering.

1 Corinthians 10:16 "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"

2) Break bread: The context shows its part of a religious service.

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Scripture example of communion done on a weekly bases.

Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart," Scripture example of communion done on a daily bases.

Acts 20:7 "And upon the first <day> of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." Scripture example of communion done on a weekly bases.

3) Eucharist (To give thanks): Not a good name for service.

Matthew 26:27 "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave <it> to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;" Also see Mark 14:23, Luke 22:17 & Luke 22:19. All of these only discusses cup of wine.

1 Corinthians 11:24 "And when he had given thanks, he brake <it>, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." This only discusses the bread.

4) Eulogia (Blessing): Not a good name. Only discusses cup.

1 Corinthians 10:16 "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"

5) Lord's Supper (Agape/Love/Charity): This is the full service in which communion is only part. Also included in the Lord's Supper may be foot washing and Christian fellowship.

1 Corinthians 11:20 "When ye come together therefore into one place, <this> is not to eat the Lord's supper."

II) SCRIPTURES ON COMMUNION:

Matthew 26:26-29 "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed <it>, and brake <it>, and gave <it> to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. {27} And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave <it> to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; {28} For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. {29} But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

Mark 14:22-25 "And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. {23} And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. {24} And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. {25} Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

Luke 22:15-20 "And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: {16} For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. {17} And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: {18} For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. {19} And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. {20} Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Acts 20:7 "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."

1 Corinthians 11:20-31 "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. {21} For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. {22} What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. {23} For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: {24} And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. {25} After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. {26} For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. {:2} Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. {28} But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. {29} For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. {31} For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

2 Peter 2:13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;"

Jude 1:12 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;"

III) MAJOR DOCTRINE VIEWS: Various church doctrines on communion.

1) Transubstantiation: The substances become the real body & blood of Jesus (John 6:34-54 below). This is the Roman Catholic doctrine. Jesus is continuously being sacrificed every time a Mass occurs.

2) Con-substantiation: The substances contain the real body & blood of Jesus. The Lutheran doctrine is similar to the Catholic view. Jesus death occurs again when the bread and wine enter the person.

Hebrews 10:12-14 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; {13} From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. {14} For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Jesus died only once to pay for our sins.

3) Spiritual Presence: Spiritual presence in the bread & wine.

This is not found in the scripture. Communion is a spiritual event.

4) Memorial: Communion is a memorial remembrance of what Jesus done

IV) RELIGIOUS STATEMENTS ABOUT COMMUNION:

Sacrament: A Latin word for sacred used by Roman Catholic's (7 Sacraments) and Protestant's (2 Sacraments) of which communion is one of the sacraments. The word is not in the scriptures.

Ordinance: Commandments of God. Used by a number of churches.

Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;"

Colossians 2:20-22 "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {21} (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?"

Eat flesh & drink blood: Roman Catholic Transubstantiation.

John 6:51-58, 63 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. {52} The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us <his> flesh to eat? {53} Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. {54} Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. {55} For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. {56} He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. {57} As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. {58} This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. {63} It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, <they> are spirit, and <they> are life." The words are spirit & life.

See my paper: "God's Word/Bible/Scriptures" for more information on this subject.

Communion taking for remission of sins:

Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Only Jesus blood atones

See my paper: "Baptism for Forgiveness of Sins" for more information on this subject.

V) HOW OFTEN TO TAKE: Decided by each local church, but it should not become merely ritualistic without meaning. This could occur if it is a daily or weekly part of the service.

Daily (Acts 2:46), Weekly (Acts 20:7), as part of an agape (love or charity) feast (1 Corinthians 11:20-26, 2 Peter 2:13 & Jude 12), and yearly during the Passover Seder (Luke 22:7-20).

See my paper: "Love" for more information on this subject.

VI) HOW TO PERFORM THE COMMUNION SERVICE:

1) As part of a love feast, special service, and during a Passover Seder.

See my paper: "Passover" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Feast of the Lord" for more information on this subject.

2) Elements: Unleaven bread. Unleaven symbolizes sinlessness or purity. Use Red wine except for any who do not want to take wine. They may use graph juice. Red symbolizes blood given in the atonement.

Mark 14:25 "Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Jesus at marriage supper will take of wine again.

Revelation 19:9 "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed <are> they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." Communion will be given

VII) PREREQUISITES & CONSIDERATIONS:

1) Believer only

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.

2) Self-examination. First confessing ones sins (1 John 1:9).

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink <this> cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. {28} But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of <that> bread, and drink of <that> cup."

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. {32} But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."

3) Taking communion unworthy: God's judgments of chastisement (discipline), physical weakness, illness (sickness), and physical death could occur.

1 Corinthians 11:29-30 "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this cause many <are> weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."

VIII) CONCLUSION: Communion is a fellowship with other Christians and with Jesus in his atonement. The believer should prepare for the service by correcting himself first. He is to go back to the cross and remember what Christ has done for him. He is to look forward to the soon return of Jesus. The power in communion is doing what Jesus told us to do and our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord and God.

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net).