When we come to The Lord’s Supper we are reminded that Jesus simply said, “…do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24,25). In the elements of the bread and the cup, we find symbols of the broken body and shed blood of The Lord Jesus on Mount Calvary to take away our sin (John 1:20). By His stripes we are healed (1 Peter 2:24). Without the shedding of His blood, there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22). This is indeed the gospel that Christ Jesus came into the world to die for sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
However, we need to be very careful when we talk about the gospel that we do not magnify the benefits above the Benefactor, God Himself. Jesus Christ is the gospel, and there is no gospel apart from The Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16,17)! The gospel, or good news, is more than something; it is Someone! Eternal life is more than having a lot of Bible knowledge; it is knowing The Father and His Son Jesus Christ (John 17:3). “He that has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12). Jesus Himself is our righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30).
It is this Christ-centered perspective that allows us as believers to know that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). All of our joy (1 John 1:3,4) and hope (1 Timothy 1:1) is rooted in Him, not things or other people. The Lord’s Supper reminds us sinners of the grace of God that has been given unto us through The Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:9). We tend to seek the gifts of God but forget The Giver of those good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). Christ is our life (Colossians 3:4). Christ is our strength (Philippians 4:13). Christ is our Great Shepherd (John 10:1-16) and Bishop of our souls (2 Peter 2:25).
Reader, have you repented of your sin and trusted in Christ alone for your pardon (Acts 2:37,38)? Have you surrendered your life to Him and His king- dom (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Matthew 6:10)? Whom The Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36)! This new life in Christ enables us to live independent of the “chances” and changes in our lives here on earth, because we know that all things, good and bad, “work together for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.” Praise His holy Name forever!
