Rev. David Holwick
Ledgewood Baptist Church (church study)
Baptist Distinctive - #4
March 24, 1991
BAPTIST DISTINCTIVE #4: COMMUNION AS AN ORDINANCE OF GOD
I. The difference between an ordinance and a sacrament.
A. "Ordinance" means something that is commanded (by Jesus).
1) The act has no spiritual power in and of itself.
2) Baptists believe both communion and baptism are ordinances.
B. "Sacrament" implies the act has spiritual power.
1) For example, holy water has real power to Roman Catholics, but not to
Baptists. To us, water is water.
2) A sacrament can only be administered by an ordained priest.
II. Different views of the elements (bread & cup) of the Lord's Supper.
A. Roman Catholic. (Transubstantiation)
1) The elements (bread and cup) supernaturally become the
literal body and blood of Jesus Christ.
a) Eternal life comes from eating the bread, which is Jesus' flesh. John 6:51,54
b) His flesh is "real food" and his blood is "real drink." John 6:55
c) No salvation unless Jesus is eaten. John 6:53
2) Only a priest can administer communion.
3) The people are expected to come to the priest to receive it.
4) In past years, only the bread was given. Priests drank all the wine.
B. Lutheran. (Consubstantiation)
1) The elements supernaturally become the literal body and
blood of Jesus, but also remain literal bread and wine.
2) Only a minister should administer communion.
C. Presbyterian. (Spiritual Presence)
1) Similar to Baptist view, but emphasis is put on the spiritual
presence of Jesus among the believers during the meal.
2) The special nature of the Lord's Supper is seen in that
improper observance can lead to physical harm.
D. Salvation Army.
1) Communion is not practiced. (Neither is baptism)
2) One reason is that these practices divide Christians and they
don't wish to put a stumbling block in the way of people.
3) Another reason is that from earliest times the Army has ordained
women and it didn't seem proper for women to give communion.
E. Baptist. (Memorial meal)
1) The elements always remain bread and juice, nothing more.
a) Note that when Jesus said, "This is my body," he had not
been crucified yet. It was a symbolic act.
b) The passage in John 6 is also spoken when Jesus was still alive. He must have
been speaking metaphorically (eat = be totally committed to me).
2) Jesus is not present in the elements, but among the
gathered Christians.
3) The bread and cup are passed through the pews so that each
Christian serves those next to them. The pastor only
serves it symbolically to the deacons - he is not acting
as a priest.
a) This is the reason Pastor Holwick has no problem with
deaconesses serving communion.
b) It is not a leadership role at all, though it is perceived as such.
4) Since communion is meant to be a community celebration, it
is not appropriate to have it at wedding or private gathering.
To preserve the community emphasis, deacons always accompany
the pastor when he takes it to shut-ins.
III. The meaning of the Lord's Supper.
A. The original Last Supper was most likely a Passover celebration. Mark
14:12-16
1) In a passover meal, the different foods and cups are given
a spiritual interpretation in relation to the Exodus event.
2) Jesus gave his own interpretation of the meaning of the food,
and applied it to his own life (and death). Mark 14:22,24
a) His death is the once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.
b) By taking communion, we "participate" in his death. 1 Cor 10:16
3) Early Christians continued having a full meal (called a love feast) with the
celebration of communion. 1 Cor 11:20-21; Jude 1:12
B. Communion has past, present and future aspects.
1) Past - Jesus' death on the cross. 1 Cor 11:24-25
2) Present - He is present among us in the Spirit. Luke 24:30-32
3) Future - He tells us to practice it tills he "comes again" in
the future Kingdom. 1 Cor 11:26
C. Communion emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ, the Church.
1) Having one loaf illustrates the unity of the church. 1 Cor 10:16-17
2) Paul tells the Corinthians to wait for the poor members, who
had been neglected at the meal. "Recognizing the body" may mean
paying attention to other believers, not just Jesus. 1 Cor 11:29-34
D. Communion is a time of joy, as well as solemn introspection.
1) Early Christians "broke bread" with the awareness that Jesus might appear
among them. Luke 24:20-21
2) Christians should examine themselves before taking part. 1 Cor 11:28
3) It is a serious thing to abuse the Lord's Supper, and can lead to physical
distress. 1 Cor 11:30
IV. The frequency of the Lord's Supper.
A. Jesus only says, "as often as you drink it." 1 Cor 11:25
B. Baptists differ in their practice.
1) Some have communion once a month.
2) Others do it once a quarter.
3) A few do it once a year, usually during Easter week.
