The Lord’s Supper Explained

When we take the Lord's Supper at First Baptist Church in Carney, Oklahoma, we make sure we are prepared to do this. We want to know what we are doing, what we believe as Baptists about the Lord's Supper, and examine our hearts and minds.

A Representation

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Basically, this small meal represents what Jesus did for us, and we do it as a memorial (“Do this in remembrance of Me”). Not everyone believes as we do about the Lord’s Supper (or baptism).

We have two ordinances in this church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. An ordinance is different from a sacrament. A sacrament is necessary to be saved or to maintain salvation; an ordinance is something we do that is a part of our church process that has spiritual significance.

·       In the ordinance of baptism, as we are placed under the water, we are representing being dead to sin and buried. As we come up from the water, we are showing that we are raised to new life in Christ. The water doesn’t save, Christ saves!

·       In the Lord’s Supper, the bread is a symbol of Christ’s body; the juice a symbol of Christ’s blood. 

Some, like Roman Catholics, believe that the bread and wine transform into Christ’s body and blood, but the Bible says Jesus died once for all (not again and again). Hebrews 7:27 – Unlike the other high priests, He (Jesus) does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins ONCE for all when He offered Himself.

A Serious Matter

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 – So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

One of the most misunderstood verses: “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” (Matt. 7:1) – In reality, we judge, and need to be judging the way God wants us to judge.

That starts with judging ourselves on a consistent basis, to see how we measure up to God’s standard. Are we choosing to please the Lord with our behavior, our speech, our love for others, and our devotion to God?

Are we right with our fellow believers? Is there something you need to forgive or repent of and apologize for?

Requirements for Participation

·       The Lord’s Supper is for believers. We ask for you and/or your children not to participate if not believers.

·       The Lord’s Supper is for baptized believers. Not only should this baptism be symbolic of salvation, but it should be full immersion (instead of sprinkling or pouring). Also, the baptism should be after salvation, not before.

·       Those under church discipline with another church should work to reconcile with that church before participating.

      Any questions, feel free to ask or contact me through this blog or my email address (dancalkinsmusic@gmail.com). Blessings in Jesus Christ -dan