One of the distinctive beliefs of the Baptists is the observation of the Lord’s Supper. With Baptism, it is one of two ordinances that we observe until our Lord returns. We believe that in the symbols of the cup and the bread we have a profound reminder of Christ’s redemptive work.
Here are ten reasons why we should observe the Lord’s Supper:
I. It is directly commanded in Scripture.
Luke 22:19 – “this do in remembrance of me.”
I Corinthians 11:25 – “this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.”
II. We have the example of the New Testament Church observing it.
I 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? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
I Corinthians 11:23-26 – “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: 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. 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. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. “
We know that the church at Corinth observed the Lord’s Supper, mainly because Paul had to address problems with how they did so. Nonetheless, it is direct evidence of it being observed from the earliest days of Christianity.
III. It is important enough that the Devil tries to corrupt it.
I Corinthians 11:17-19 – “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.”
A mark of its high importance is that Satan has attacked and twisted it. In Corinth, it had become a dinner party where some were fed and others left hungry. On through history it has seen its simplicity and meaning corrupted.
IV. It anticipates the Second Coming of Christ.
Matthew 26:29 – “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.”
I Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
There is a forward looking aspect to the Lord’s Supper. Yes, we look back and remember what Christ did to purchase our salvation. But we also look forward to His return and His reign.
V. It directly honors Christ.
I Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
The symbolism of the cup and bread are so simple yet so powerful that we readily look beyond them to the object of true worship. We do not glorify the elements. All the praise and honor goes to our Savior.
VI. To thank Christ.
Luke 22:17 – “And he took the cup, and gave thanks,…”
Luke 22:19 – “And he took bread, and gave thanks,…”
The spirit of the Lord’s Supper is one of thankfulness. Each element is consumed after the giving of thanks. We remember the blood and broken body and give thanks for Christ.
VII. To proclaim Christ
I Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
While much of the focus of the Lord’s supper is inward to affect our believers’ hearts and upward to glorify Christ, the very observance is a witness outward to the world of what Christ did for us and them.
VIII. To remember the New Covenant
I Corinthians 11:25 – “After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood:…”
We look back and see that the Passover was a remembrance of God’s redemption of Israel to be a people dedicated to Him. Likewise, the Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of our deliverance from sin and our bold, new relationship with God. We remember that Christ fulfilled the Law and broke the chains of sin and death so that we may walk in newness of life.
IX. It is a unifying act for the church.
I 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? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
The Lord’s Supper refocuses the hearts of the assembly on the Savior. It reminds us that all are equal through Christ, as we all partake the same elements.
X. It is a unifying act for the believer and their Savior.
I Corinthians 11:28 – “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
I the observance of the Lord’s Supper, we being with introspection. It is a time to clear one’s heart before focusing on the Savior. That focus helps us to realign our hearts on Christ.