Partaking of the bread and the cup is a sacred privilege and duty for every professing Christian. It is referred to by the title the “Lord’s Supper” following the Apostle Paul’s term in 1 Corinthians 11:21, and because the Lord Jesus Himself initiated it at a Passover Supper.

We believe that two ordinances (official church practices) were taught, modeled, and commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ to be continued through and in local churches until the Lord Himself returns: The Lord’s Supper, and Baptism. (1 Corinthians 11:26; Luke 22:19; Matthew 28:19-20).

The Lord’s Supper is also referred to as Communion. This is from the concept of sharing together, or communing, with others who have exercised personal faith in Jesus. When believers partake of the Bread and the Cup, a spiritual bond is being declared with the expectation that God’s own Holy Presence is also communing among them.

The Bible teaches that everyone who confesses their sin, acknowledging that only the sacrificial death of Jesus will cover their sin, and who thereby receive Jesus as their Savior, are adopted into God’s forever-family, and will have the Presence of the Holy Spirit always within them (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Jesus taught that His own Presence would be with believers right up to the end of this earthly age (Matthew 28:20).

The Bible also teaches that the Presence of God is among God’s people in a unique way during collective times of worship and praise. He is “enthroned among/inhabits with” (to dwell, to tarry, to sit with) His people (Psalm 22:3, 99:1; Hebrews 12:22-24). Jesus’ Presence is with Church leaders who, together, determine difficult discipline matters (Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5). The Presence of the Holy Spirit was evident at the birth of the early church, with physical manifestations intended to prove that Jesus was God (Acts 2:1-36, 4:23-31). The Presence of Jesus is evident in a unique way as well whenever God’s people share in the Communion time together.

Traditionally, three viewpoints on the Presence of the Lord Jesus have been taught. Trans-substantiation says that while the elements of bread and wine/juice are visible, through the eyes of faith it is actually Jesus Himself who is present. The ‘substances’ have been ‘transformed’ into the actual body and blood of Jesus. This is the viewpoint of the Roman Catholic Church. Jesus stated “This is My body” (Matthew 26:26). He did not say that this was like His body, or represented His body. However, metaphors, unlike similes, do not require the term “like”. In serving the cup, Jesus said it was his “blood of the new covenant” (Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25), indicating a promise (covenant) that peaceful relationships were now possible between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:11-22). The phrase sounds like a symbolic analogy for how a promise is fulfilled.

Con-substantiation says the Presence of Jesus is “with” (Latin “con”) the bread and cup. This is the common Lutheran teaching. The last Supper when Jesus instituted communion was not just another supper time. The disciples were commemorating the Jewish Passover meal (Exodus 12). John the Baptist had stated that Jesus Himself was the Passover lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). A “new covenant” was inaugurated. There is profound truth that Jesus’ sacrifice would cover over sin. (Hebrews 9:11-10:25). This is why      1 Corinthians 11:27-29 warns: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  A man ought to examine himself. …Anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself”. Whether Christ’s actual Presence is more evident during Communion because He is “with” the elements, certainly this meal should be observed as if Jesus Himself was present.

A Remembrance ceremony is the viewpoint that best describes what CrossView Church observes. This is precisely what Jesus taught in saying “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). To remember something requires a deliberate personal act. Trans-substantiation and Con-substantiation place the emphasis on what happens automatically just by the serving of the bread and cup. We believe that Jesus’ Presence is evident in a unique way when His followers, together, choose to contemplate the person of Jesus Christ and serve the elements of bread and wine/juice as a symbol of His sacrifice.  This Remembrance is to be highly esteemed as a holy encounter with Jesus and among believers. Strict warnings are issued toward those who take communion lightly (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). Reconciliation (being-at-peace-with) both with the Lord and with other believers is necessary (Romans 5:1, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 5:23-24).

The Bible does not deny Communion to any true believer, rather, it declares that all who profess Jesus as Savior should share the Lord’s Supper with others on a regular basis. This is sometimes termed “open communion”.

A child of any age, or an adult who may have emotional or mental impairment, if they know Jesus, and if they understand the symbolism and sacredness of the Lord’s Supper, should share in this common meal of grace.

Those who have not made a saving profession of faith, or believers who are not willing to confess and forsake sin, should not partake of the bread and the cup.

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