L. F. STARR by L. F. Starr

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 16, 1909

L. F. STARR

By L. F. Starr

The Lord's Supper—No. 1

L. F. STARR

“THE LORD JESUS in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come.” 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

The Lord's supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought by the death of the Son of God on Calvary. Till he shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance is to be celebrated by the followers of our Lord and Master. This blessed sacrament is the means by which his great work for us is kept in mind. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” 1 Cor. 11:28.

The examination is not the investigation of the life of another, but the solemn, sober scrutiny of one's own life. The implication is also made that the bread is to be eaten, and the cup to be drunk. This is the duty in perpetuity upon those who name this name, and having named his name, it is a perpetual accountability. It is in no sense whatever a matter that we may lay off at pleasure. It is a solemn covenant which we have entered into with him, and these vows are to be a perpetual liability. It is not a question of opinion, but of solemn obligation and blessed privilege upon every member of the church.

To those who are Christians, there is not a mere solemn and sacred obligation. It is a duty which we, as Christians, owe to him. When the ordinances of the Lord's house are being celebrated, the members of the church should bear in mind that this is a time for all to search their hearts to see if they are willing to humble themselves as little children, to walk the pathway of obedience.

Many members of the church have misunderstood this ordinance, and their duty toward this memorial. The church at Corinth misunderstood it. They had turned it into a common feast, or banquet, and did not discern the Lord's body. They had brought disgrace upon this solemnity; and the apostle instructs them and tells them to eat as unto the Lord. They had gone astray in this, and yet they were taught: “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup,” according to the result of that examination. The bread is to be eaten, and the wine to be drunk, according to the nature of this responsibility and the result of this personal examination of ourselves.

There are a number of terms by which the holy ordinances or observances are named; and each one is significant of certain characteristics that belong to the ordinance. First and last, it is a memorial service. In performing it, ye do it “in remembrance of me,” says Christ, “for as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come.” 1 Cor. 11:26. It bridges the whole dispensation from his first advent until he comes again with power and great glory. But many who profess this name seldom appear around the Lord's table with the people of God to “proclaim the Lord's death till he come.” Can we deny him in this so sacred and important responsibility?