Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionBread, a staple of sustenance throughout human history, holds profound significance within the Christian tradition, particularly in the context of the Communion of Saints. This sacred act, often referred to as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, is a central rite in Christian worship, symbolizing the unity of believers with Christ and with one another. Biblical Foundation The practice of partaking in bread as a symbol of communion is rooted in the Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels. Jesus, during His final meal with His disciples, instituted this sacred tradition. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is My body" (Matthew 26:26). This act is mirrored in the accounts of Mark (Mark 14:22) and Luke (Luke 22:19), and further expounded upon by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-24). Theological Significance The breaking of bread in the Communion of Saints is rich with theological meaning. It serves as a tangible reminder of Christ's sacrificial death and His presence among believers. The bread, representing Christ's body, signifies the incarnation and the tangible reality of God's love and redemption. By partaking in the bread, believers affirm their faith in Christ's atoning work and their participation in the new covenant established through His blood. Communion and Unity The act of sharing bread in communion is not merely a personal experience but a communal one, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this unity in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17: "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf" . This passage underscores the interconnectedness of believers, transcending individual differences and uniting them in a shared faith and purpose. Spiritual Nourishment Beyond its symbolic representation, the bread of communion is also seen as spiritual nourishment. Just as physical bread sustains the body, the bread of communion sustains the soul, providing spiritual strength and renewal. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). This metaphor highlights the sustaining and life-giving power of Christ, who satisfies the deepest spiritual longings of His followers. Conclusion In the Communion of Saints, the partaking of bread is a profound act of worship and remembrance. It is a declaration of faith in Christ's redemptive work, a celebration of the unity of believers, and a source of spiritual nourishment. As Christians gather to break bread, they participate in a sacred tradition that transcends time and space, joining with the saints of all ages in proclaiming the death and resurrection of the Lord until He comes again. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 2:46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 10:17 Library Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ... Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... 'The Whole Family' A Question for Communicants The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Eucharistic Rites. Liturgy. Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks. Analysis of the Westminster Confession. Resources What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of unleavened bread? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to pray for our daily bread? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |
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