DISCERNMENT NEEDED IN THE COMMUNION SERVICE

DISCERNMENT NEEDED IN THE COMMUNION SERVICE

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

I The Communion Service is an ordinance in the NT church to be observed until the Lord’s return. It is a special service and is unique in that it sets before us a vivid remembrance of our Lord’s death. In the Old Testament sacrifices there was a continual remembrance of the reality of sin. In the Communion service there is a remembrance of the blessed reality that puts sin away.

II Regarding the examination of ourselves. Observe that divine judgment is provoked when we fail to examine ourselves. We eat the bread and drink the cup unworthily when we fail to examine ourselves. Self-examination primarily involves a silent but conscious and cognitive recognition of the solemnity of the occasion and the reality that the symbols portray. The nature of the occasion excludes the false notion that personal merit entitles one to participate. Likewise, a personal sense of one’s sinfulness does not disqualify from participation-else, precious saints with honest hearts purified by faith would be compelled to withdraw from the service for conscience sake.

III Discerning the Lord’s body.

1. The appropriateness and wisdom displayed in his choice of the symbols.

2. Two distinct and voluntary acts displayed in the symbology; first, his condescension in *taking* the "bread" of human nature into union with his divine Person and 2ndly, his *taking* the "cup" of humiliation, suffering, and death.

3. The distinct "separateness" of the symbols as viewed on the communion table portray death. The Lord’s Supper is the great preacher of the death of Christ till his second coming (ATR).

4. His sinless body and virtuous blood displayed by the symbols and fulfills that which was prophesied beforehand: "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me, ... ect."Hebrews 10:5&ch.

5. The Lord’s death was efficacious by virtue of who he was [is].

6. The virtue of the Lord’s death is legally vicarious on account of who heIsaiah 7:1-25. Because of who He is, our Lord is the Head of the mystical body of Christ, which is the Church-the corporate elect in all ages. Hence, he also is the Head of each local body of baptized believers.

8. Baptized believers have voluntarily united together in a church covenant of fellowship and are each distinct members of the the body of Christ. As such each member is of great value and has an important function in the spiritual well-being of the local congregation. Discernment of this fact will aid us to appreciate and highly esteem one another unto the edification of the whole body in the bond of peace and love.