Remembering Christ!

Central to the Christian message is the cross of Calvary. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross provides the power to the Gospel message. The death and resurrection of Jesus distinguishes Christianity from all other religions and philosophies.

Just prior to the crucifixion, Jesus provided the symbols of his covenant, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” At the last supper He shared bread and the fruit of the vine with His disciples and gave new significance to their meaning. “This is my body which was broken, my blood shed for you.” It was a pictorial illustration, a graphic demonstration of the substitutionary death of Christ. From that time forward each time the communion was observed there would be a visual reminder of His sacrifice.

When Paul instructed the Corinthians concerning the observance of the Lord’s Supper, he stated, “As often as you do it, you show the Lord’s death until He comes.” In this statement he indicated the need to continually be reminded of the Lord’s sacrifice until the advent of His second coming. Never forget it. Always remember His giving and His suffering.

Not only is communion a memorial of His death, but also a celebration of His resurrection and life. One cannot talk of His sacrifice and dying without acknowledging His resurrection and return. The Last Supper remembered is a prophetic reminder of the marriage supper in the future. “I will not drink until I join with you in the Kingdom.” Jesus himself will celebrate communion again with us in the millennial kingdom when we gather with Him. It will be the culmination of the covenant, the fulfillment of the symbolism, the completion of the communion.

Until He comes we will celebrate His covenant; we will remember His death and rejoice in the new life He brings!