1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened… The text is justly supposed to have some reference to the institution, which has the same place under the gospel which the passover had under the law. The Lord's Supper was intended — I. AS A MEMORIAL OF THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST FOR HIS PEOPLE. This we learn from the words of Jesus at its first institution, and that we are to "remember" Him particularly as suffering for our sins is evident from "This is My body which is broken for you," &c. "Show forth the Lord's death till He come." It is to be looked upon, therefore, as a token of love, or memorial left by a friend at parting among his friends, that whenever they see it they may remember him. This remembrance of a suffering Saviour must be attended with — 1. Suitable affections. 2. Self-examination. "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of this bread," &c. II. AS A BADGE OF OUR CHRISTIAN PROFESSION. Baptism is appointed for our initiation into the Christian Church at our first assuming that profession; and by partaking of this ordinance we declare our constancy in it, and that we do not repent of our choice nor desire to change our Master. III. AS A SEAL OF THE COVENANT OF GRACE, BOTH UPON GOD'S PART AND UPON OURS. 1. It is a standing evidence, obvious to our senses, that God is unchangeably willing to stand to the articles on His part; that He is ready to give His Son and all His blessings to such as believe, as He is to give bread and wine as signs and seals of them. 2. As to our part in receiving these elements, we signify our hearty consent to the covenant of grace, and, as it were, set our seal to it to confirm it. IV. AS A COMMUNION OF SAINTS. Our sitting down at the same table, partaking of the same elements, and commemorating the same Lord, are very expressive of this communion, and have a natural tendency to cherish it. In such a posture we look like children of one family, fed at the same table upon the same spiritual provisions. Hence this ordinance has been frequently and justly called the communion (chap. 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17). V. AS A FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (1 John 1:3). This communion consists — 1. In that intercourse which is carried on between God and His people. 2. In the community of property. 3. In the interchange of property. (S. Davies, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: |
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