Topical Encyclopedia Wine holds a significant place in the sacramental practices of Christianity, particularly in the observance of the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist. This practice finds its roots in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ instituted the use of wine as a symbol of His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.Biblical Foundation The sacramental use of wine is primarily derived from the accounts of the Last Supper, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares a cup of wine with His disciples, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus declares, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24). Luke's account adds, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). The Apostle Paul further emphasizes the importance of this practice in his first letter to the Corinthians. He recounts the words of Jesus, stating, "In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me'" (1 Corinthians 11:25). Paul underscores the significance of partaking in the wine as a proclamation of the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Theological Significance The use of wine in the Lord's Supper is rich with theological meaning. It serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and the new covenant established through His blood. The wine symbolizes the atoning work of Christ, who, through His death, reconciled humanity to God. This sacrament is a means of grace, a spiritual nourishment that strengthens the faith of believers and unites them with Christ and one another. Historical and Liturgical Practice Throughout church history, the use of wine in Communion has been a consistent practice, though the specifics of its administration have varied among different Christian traditions. In the early church, the communal sharing of a single cup was common, symbolizing the unity of the body of Christ. Over time, different denominations have developed their own liturgical practices, with some using individual cups and others maintaining the tradition of a shared chalice. The type of wine used has also been a subject of discussion. While some traditions insist on the use of fermented wine, others, particularly in the temperance movement, have adopted the use of unfermented grape juice. Despite these variations, the essential symbolism of the wine as the blood of Christ remains central to the sacrament. Contemporary Considerations In modern times, the sacramental use of wine continues to be a vital aspect of Christian worship. It serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, a celebration of the redemptive work of Christ, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come. The practice of Communion, with its use of wine, remains a profound expression of faith, unity, and hope within the Christian community. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:27-29And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it; Nave's Topical Index Luke 22:17-20 Library Doctrine and Discipline of the Church Whether the Whole Christ is Contained under Each Species of this ... March the First Overcharging the Heart Eucharistic Doctrine. Whether Christ Received and Gave to the Disciples his Impassible ... Life on the Top Floor Of Preparation. Questions About the Lord's Supper (On the Mysteries. Iv. ) On Genesis. Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
    |