Lord's Day 43

The Lord’s Supper can be best understood by studying the various names given to it. We call it the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s last meal with his disciples, in which he showed how he would be broken and poured out on our behalf. The apostle Paul says that as often as we eat the bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. The sacrament is also called Eucharist, which literally means “a good grace” or, “thanksgiving.” When we come to the table, we make a sacrifice of praise, thanking God and giving glory to Him for Jesus Christ, who came to save us from our sins. It is also called Communion, because in the meal we share, by faith, in the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and, though many, we become one body in communion with Him. 

We believe that Christ is spiritually present as we gather around the table: a presence that is no less real than our physical presence. It is important to remember that Christ’s physical body is not present at the table. Rather, His physical existence is in Heaven, at the right hand of God the Father, where He prays for us and intercedes on our behalf. As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, He strengthens our spirits with His own. Just as food and water strengthen our bodies, the presence, or communion with Christ, strengthens our spirits, our faith, so that we may walk in righteousness before Him. 

All who trust in Christ for their salvation; any who are tired of their sin and would be relieved of the burden of them; all who hope to live a holy life; are welcomed to this table. As we come, we are to examine ourselves, to ensure that we take the meal in a worthy way, so that we do not come in a way that will dishonor the sacrifice of our Lord.