Introduction
The practice of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a central sacrament in Christianity. However, its observance has evolved significantly from how Jesus and His apostles practiced it to how it is observed in Protestant churches today. This blog post will explore the key differences between the original practice of communion and contemporary Protestant traditions, using supporting biblical texts to highlight these variations.
Origins of Communion from the Old Testament
The origins of communion can be traced back to the Old Testament, specifically to the Passover meal instituted by God during the Exodus. The Passover commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 12. On the night before their liberation, each Israelite family was instructed to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. They were to eat the lamb along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, signifying their readiness to leave Egypt in haste.
This meal, celebrated annually, was a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and covenant with His people. Jesus, during the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, redefined its elements—using bread and wine to represent His body and blood—thus establishing the New Covenant. This transformation links the Old Testament Passover to the Christian practice of communion, highlighting continuity and fulfillment in God's redemptive plan.
The Original Communion and The Last Supper
The original communion, commonly referred to as the Last Supper, took place during the Jewish Passover festival. This context is crucial for understanding its initial practice. The Last Supper was a Passover meal, a time when Jews commemorated their deliverance from Egypt. Jesus used this significant occasion to institute a new covenant with His followers.
Matthew 26:26-28: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"
The Elements Used
During the Last Supper, Jesus used unleavened bread and wine—elements that were already part of the Passover meal. The unleavened bread symbolized His body, and the wine represented His blood, which would be shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 22:19-20: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
The Frequency of Communion
The early Christians, following Jesus' example, observed communion regularly. However, the specific frequency is not explicitly stated in the New Testament, leading to variations in practice among different Christian communities.
Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
Protestant Communion Today
Protestantism encompasses a wide range of denominations, each with its own understanding and practice of communion. While some denominations observe it weekly, others do so monthly or quarterly. This contrasts with the more frequent practice suggested in early Christian gatherings.
1 Corinthians 11:26: "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
The Elements Used
In modern Protestant churches, the elements used for communion can vary. Some denominations use unleavened bread and wine, staying close to the original elements. Others, particularly in regions where alcohol is less acceptable, use grape juice instead of wine. This adaptation reflects cultural and theological considerations within different communities.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night 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, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Theological Understanding
Protestant denominations also differ in their theological understanding of communion. The main views include:
Memorialism: Predominantly held by Baptists and many evangelical groups, this view sees communion as a symbolic act of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
Reformed View: Held by Reformed and Presbyterian churches, this view believes in a spiritual presence of Christ in the elements, not a physical presence.
Lutheran View: Martin Luther proposed the concept of consubstantiation, where Christ's body and blood are believed to be present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
1 Corinthians 10:16: "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?"
Differences in Ritual and Liturgy
The Last Supper was a simple, intimate gathering with Jesus and His apostles. Modern Protestant services range from similarly simple ceremonies to highly structured liturgies. This formality often reflects denominational traditions and the theological significance ascribed to the sacrament.
Role of the Clergy
In many Protestant denominations, ordained clergy administer communion, emphasizing the sacrament's sacredness and ensuring proper theological interpretation. This practice contrasts with the early Christian gatherings, which were often less formal and more communal.
1 Corinthians 11:27-29: "So then, 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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup."
Inclusivity and Fencing the Table
Another significant difference is the practice of open vs. closed communion. Open communion, practiced by many Protestant denominations, invites all baptized believers to participate. Closed communion, observed by some traditions like the Missouri Synod Lutherans, restricts participation to members of that specific denomination.
Examination and Self-Reflection
Paul's exhortation in 1 Corinthians 11:28 for self-examination before partaking in communion is heeded differently across denominations. Some churches emphasize this strongly, incorporating moments of silence and reflection during the service, while others are more casual about it.
1 Corinthians 11:28: "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup."
Conclusion
The practice of communion has evolved significantly from the intimate setting of the Last Supper with Jesus and His apostles to the diverse observances seen in Protestant churches today. Differences in frequency, elements, theological understanding, and liturgical formality reflect the rich tapestry of Protestant beliefs and practices. Despite these variations, the core purpose of communion remains—to remember and proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, fostering a deep sense of unity and devotion among believers.
By understanding these differences and their biblical foundations, modern Christians can appreciate the depth and significance of this sacred practice, drawing closer to the original intent of Jesus' command to "do this in remembrance of me."
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