Scripture Matters

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25 RSV)

Our gathering for communion should be a time to reflect on the price that has been paid for our sins. For we first read concerning the body of Jesus: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19 RSV) So, Jesus said: “do this in remembrance of me.” Next, we read concerning the blood of Jesus: “And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20 RSV)

Now, during communion, we may hear some well-meaning Church leader declare that we must first examine ourselves for any sin in our lives before partaking of communion. But is that what the scriptures says we must do? For didn’t Jesus clearly said above: “do this in remembrance of me.” And let’s remember what Paul the apostle said: “Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.” (1 Corinthians 11:20-21 NKJV)

So, we see that they were treating this as some common ordinary meal. However, further down in verse 26 through 29 Paul goes on saying: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” (1 Corinthians 11:26-29 NKJV)

So, the “unworthy manner” that Paul is talking about is not some unconfessed sin in our lives. Instead, it’s not recognizing that this is about the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, one is “guilty of the body and blood of the Lord,” and “drinks judgment to himself” if they eat “not discerning the Lord’s body.” Therefore, we should stop teaching the doctrine of unconfessed sin. I say this because there may be some unconfessed sin that comes to one’s mind during or even after they have partaken. And because of this false teaching, such a one could feel guilty and condemned after partaking. For let’s face it, if we had to examine ourselves to see if there is any unconfessed sin in our lives, would any of us be able to partake of communion? So please, let’s keep things in context and not add unbiblical teachings that can stumble a brother or sister in Christ.

And finally, let’s take note to what Jesus said: “The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood resides in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who consumes me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate, but then later died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:54-58 NET)

Yes, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Communion is to be all about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For he gave his life for us so that we can escape hell and instead spend eternal life in God’s Kingdom. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21 ESV)

So, of any of you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please turn away from your sins and give your life to him. And for my fellow brothers and sister in Christ, keep your eyes on God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. And I also encourage you to: “Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 Webster)

The different bible versions used in this article are listed below to aid you in your study of God’s word.

• ESV = English Standard Version
• Webster = Webster Common Version
• NKJV = New King James Version
• RSV = Revised Standard Version
• NET = New English Translation

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