In the Scripture The Lord’s Supper, which is most commonly known as “communion” (1 Corinthians 10:16), was observed by those who had repented of their sin and trusted in the full pardon for sin that has been provided for mankind in and through the Person and work of The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47).

In our passages that we are using for this Lord’s Supper message this morning (Romans 5:1-11), Paul refers to what Jesus accomplished on the cross as “the atonement” (Romans 5:11, KJV). The Greek word that is translated “atonement” carries the idea of restoration to divine favor or reconciliation. It should be noted that God did not need to be restored to us; we needed to be restored to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1,2), and because God is just (Isaiah 45:21), sin needs to be atoned for in order for justice to be paid and God’s just demands for the punishment of sin to be satisfied (Hebrews 10:4-13).

The Lord’s Supper is centered on Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Apart from being exhorted to examine ourselves before we partake (1 Corinthians 11:26-31), nothing of the ordinance or sacrament of communion has anything to do with man at all. That is simply because salvation is God’s work (Ephesians 2:4-9). Mankind cannot redeem himself. Jesus is both the perfect Lamb (John 1:29) and perfect High Priest for sinners (Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-28). The Lord’s Supper magnifies the grace of God, for it is by grace that we are saved through faith. Our good works or religious exercises cannot take away sin (Philippians 3:3-11), only Jesus can.

Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone as provision for the sin debt that you owe to God? Until you trust in Him as your atonement, your sin debt is outstanding and the wrath of God abides on you (John 3:36). What must one do to be saved (Acts 16:30)? Repent of your sin and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Believing in Jesus is not a mental acknowledgement of biblical truth, however. It is a miraculous work of God’s Spirit that convicts you of your need of Christ (John 16:7-9), that regenerates your soul (Titus 3:5-7) and gives you a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). Jesus bids you to come. Come now, come humbly, come today (Matthew 11:28-30).