Until He Comes

This text in 1 Corinthians 11 is the prime text for our understanding of this practice, and this verse 26 is the prime statement of what it all means. Jesus held the Supper with the disciples and the NT never gives us an example or any instruction as to having Communion by yourself; indeed it is very clear that it is never meant to be done alone but in a group of saints.

We are saying I believe and I belong. The Corinthians were denying others’ belonging by being exclusive of certain groups and we are doing the same thing if we take Communion by ourselves. No matter who marginalizes you in this world or even in the church, this meal is your proclamation that you belong to Christ, His Body, and to His church, God’s Family.

We proclaim the value and truth of His life and death. This part of the service, the Lord’s Supper, is the place where God assures us that, for the sake of Jesus Christ and His perfections, our offerings and our worship has been accepted. This is the peace offering, this is the place where the Lord invites us to sit down with Him and share a meal. We do so gladly; this meal means, as we receive it in true faith, that we have been justified.

We proclaim the reason for our hope (the Lord’s death) and the object of our hope (The Lord Himself coming for us). Not only does the Lord’s Supper help us to remember the past, it also is a reason to look forward to the future. Just as the Passover was a symbol of the Lamb of God, so the Lord’s Supper is a symbol of an even greater feast: the marriage supper of the Lamb. How glorious will that day be when we, in our glorified bodies, sit down with Jesus, and feast at the banquet table of heaven!