23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. 11:23-2
The cup of blessing & The bread which we break
(In not the Lords supper)
By: Dov Avnon
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 cor 10:16
There is much that we as saved people can bless God under this dispensation of Grace. …who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Eph. 1:3 and the name of the gospel that Christ gave to Paul is “….the glorious gospel of the blessed God… 1 Tim 1:11
Christ gave Paul for this dispensation of grace the ordinance of the cup of blessing and not the Lord's supper. It may sound strange in the ears of many but it is an important subject that we should know. You will find many churches in all time that observe what they are calling “Lord's supper” while it is about The cup of blessing which we bless / The bread which we break. Lord's supper became so well known term, that it is hard for people to understand the differences. The cup of blessing which we bless / The bread which we break has to do with the Church body of Christ, the Lord's supper is the Passover meal that God gave to Moses for the nation Israel.
The cup / The bread
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
The teaching about the cup and the bread for the body of Christ is starting in 1 cor. Chapter 10. Paul is saying - 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. Those are the wise brethren in all ages that going to follow Paul in this matter and not man. 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
But why is it so hard for us to follow Paul in the ordinance of the cup and The bread in 2013?
The answer is very simple, we all learn what we know from someone. Catholic, protestant, Baptist, grace, and many other schools of teaching. All of them might have their way of interpreting Christ's words to Paul in 1 Corinthians chapters 10-11.
As for myself in 1980 I learned about the gospel of God's grace from reading C.R. stam book things that differ. His book helped many to come to the
knowledge of the dispensation of grace that Christ gave to Paul. C.R. Stam like many other grace teachers is using the term Lords supper for what Paul is calling. The cup of blessing which we bless and the bread which we break.
Many today lost the light on the truth of the cup of blessing and the bread because of religious theology. They are the ones who changed the meaning of the truth that Christ gave to Paul. In many places they even do not speak about “Wine and bread” but about “juice and crackers”
Another reason why people are rejecting the ordinance of Wine and bread as part of the revelation that Christ gave the apostle Paul for this dispensation of grace, is because of the teaching that is known as dividing Paul's letters into two ministries, groups, or bodies. Others, for some reason, teach that wine and bread are just a good reason to have a yearly church meal.
The cup of blessing which we bless. The bread which we break
The teaching about the cup and the bread is starting in 1 Corinthians 10. Paul is calling the brethren to learn from what happened before. All were baptized with Moses and eat and drink from the same spiritual rock which was Christ. ! The point is they were saved from Egypt through the blood Exodus 12;7 but God want more than just saving people from the slavery of sin into freedom in the promised land.
our examples
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted:
If we want to understand the purpose of the cup of wine and the bread as Christ gave to Paul for the dispensation of grace, we should remember the following samples.
7 Neither be ye idolaters…. - 8 Neither let us commit fornication… 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings, and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: Exodus 32:6 –
1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.3 And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. Numbers 25:1
9 Neither let us tempt Christ…10 Neither murmur ye…. 1 cor 10
4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5 And the people spake against God, and Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. Num 21:4
2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Exodus 16:2
Idolaters/ fornication/tempt Christ/murmuring are the foundation of satan evil plan against God's plan from creation.
When Paul is writing “29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily…” 1 Cor. 11. He is not speaking about our sinful nature that we receive from adam. He is talking about those certain sins as a sample. As saved people we should in all time understand the value of our redemption and “we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted”
Flee from idolatry
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Idolatry is not just a sin, it is a system and this system is still working today.
15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. 15:23 For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1 SAMUEL Chapter 15
In a society where idolatry is reigning, there is also much witchcraft and fornication as the resolt of rejecting the Word of the Lord.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like Galatians 5
Just because idolatry is still active under the dispensation of grace Paul is telling us:
3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
So you see, Paul is not talking just about our sinful nature. He is talking about a system based on lust. The fact that we are saved and have forgiveness for our sins, does not free us from the possibility to “lust after evil things”
Standing and falling
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.13
After we receive Christ as our savior, Paul is calling us to “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” Gal. 5:16. A saved pers
….walk ye in him…Rooted and built up in him…. stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…….: Col. 2:6-7
and bringeth forth fruit…. since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: ….as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant… Col. 1:6-7
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…..Titus 2
From reading those verses and many others, we understand that learning about the grace of God in the right way will and should affect our daily walk. This is also one of the reasons that Paul receive from the lord to tell believers:
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes. 1 Cor 11.
Paul is not talking here just about the historical death of Christ on the cross but concerning what he is teaching the churches
The death of Christ under the dispensation of Grace –
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:1-7
Temptation
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Idolatry.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
flee from idolatry - worship of an idol
wise men; judge ye what I say
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 10
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight: 2 Cor 5:7
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say – think about it
The cup of blessing – No juice no crackers – wine and bread
It has to do with blessing – it is a moment of remembrances of the effect of God's blessing in our life and giving God thanks.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Efe 1:3
is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 10
We are one body in Christ –
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
The gifts are temporary not the cup of blessing
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
The Lords Jesus Christ did not command members of the Church which is His body to keep the ordinance of the “Lords supper/Passover” . There is no one place in Paul's letters, Romans till Philemon where we can find any instruction to keep the ordinance of the “Lords supper” under this dispensation of grace.
It may sound strange in the ears to hear such a statement while the majority in the Christian world including many grace believers do teach that the “Lord's supper/Passover” is also for this dispensation of Grace.
As a Bible believer, you heard about terms like “Lord's supper/Last supper/Holy communion or the Eucharist.
There is much confusion among Christians in general about the “Lord's supper”. The reason is not everyone knows or believes that Christ gave the apostle Paul the dispensation of Grace and that we should rightly divide the Word of truth. Not many people know that it is a difference between the “Passover” also known as the “Lord's supper of the last supper” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break.
Just for our clear understanding of this subject: The Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the apostle Paul about the cup of blessing and the bread which we break and this is NOT the “Lords supper/Passover”
Why is it so important to understand the difference between “Lord's supper/Passover” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break? The answer is very simple! The “Lord's supper/Passover” is part of the commandments that Moses gave only to the Children of Israel.
But what about the Words of Christ to the apostle Paul about the cup of blessing and the bread which we break?. Is this not the “Lord's supper” NO! It is almost 2000 years from Paul's days to our days that people are confused between “The Lord's supper/Passover” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break.
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 10
So let be wise - I speak as to wise men – and follow the Words of Christ to Paul in order to understand this important subject and to understand the difference between the “Lord's supper/Passover” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break?.
Did you know that according to the Bible and not the tradition of man, the Lord’s Passover and Lord's supper are the same?
1 CORINTHIANS 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
When Paul admonished the believers at Corinth, it is not because they were misusing the cup of blessing and the bread but because they were celebrating the Lord's supper/Passover which is something different and also with a wrong attitude.
In order to understand much better the difference, we should first look and see what is the LORD'S Passover.
12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover
12:21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the Passover.
12:26 And it shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 12:28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. EXODUS 12:11,21,27
12:48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land
23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S Passover. 23:6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month [is] the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. LEVITICUS Chapter 23
JOSHUA 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
From reading those verses on the Old Testament and many others we know that the service of the PASSOVER was given by God only to the Children of Israel. What mean ye by this service? ….
It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses
The Lord supper with the 12 disciples
LAST SUPPER / LORDS SUPPER – Christianity teaches that the Last Supper is the final meal that, Jesus shared with his Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. The Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for the Eucharist, also known as "Holy Communion" or The Lord's Supper”
Christian theology emphasized the “last supper” on the cup and the bread while it was first about the Lords Passover part of the old covenant. The cup of blessing and the bread which we break under this dispensation of grace, is because Christ from heaven gave it to the apostle Paul.
to eat the Passover
When Christ was on Earth He lived under the Law of Moses like any other Jew. When He was on earth the Dispensation of Grace or the New Covenant did not start yet. So when Christ told His disciples to prepare a place for Him it was to eat the Passover.
Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover? 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples. 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. MATTHEW 26:2, 17-20
MARK 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the Passover?
22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. John 22
after supper
26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. MATTHEW Chapter 26
14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 14:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Markus 14
22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide [it] among yourselves: 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Lucas 22:17-20
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 1 Cor 11:20
There is a great difference in the Bible between the “Lord/ Passover supper” or The cup of blessing & The bread which we break. The reason for so much confusion around what people often call: “Lords/ Passover supper” is because they are not rightly dividing the Word of truth. They come short to understand the difference between what Christ told to the 12 disciples/ the Children of Israel in this matter and what the same Lord from Heaven gave to the Apostle Paul for this dispensation of grace.
Even some so-called grace churches are confusing this subject when they are putting in their doctrinal statement the following:
The communion of the Lord's supper as revealed through the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:23-26 is for members of the Body of Christ to observe "until He comes
Christ from heaven never told Paul anything about The communion of the Lord's supper. This is a confusing statement. I Corinthians 11:23-26 is NOT talking about the Lord's/ Passover supper but about:
the communion of the blood of Christ 1 cor. 10:15-17
the communion of the body of Christ 1 cor. 10:15-17
The cup and the bread are not the Lords / Passover supper
MATTHEW 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 26:17 Now the first [day] of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover?
26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.
26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. MATTHEW 26:2,17,18,19
LORD'S Passover = Lord's supper
12:26 And it shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed their head and worshipped.
From these verses, we understand that the term Lord’s supper that Paul is using in 1 cor 11:20 is the same like the LORD'S Passover that God gave only to the children of Israel.
Did Paul receive from the Lord the instruction that members of the body of Christ should hold yearly meals as Moses commanded the children of Israel? No!
The cup of blessing & The bread which we break
Let's see what Christ revealed to Paul concerning the CUP and the BREAD for this dispensation of grace.
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes. 1 Cor 11
I am suggesting anyone to read few time 1 Cor 11:23-26 . When did the Lord take the Bread? When did the Lord took the Cup?
22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:19-20
after supper – You see the bread and the cup that Paul received directly from the Lord as part of the revelation of the mystery is not the Passover (Lords) supper that Moses commanded the Children of Israel.
The use of the term “LORDS SUPPER” as it was part of the dispensation of Grace brought much confusion even in Paul days:
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 1 Cor 11:20
You see those believers were thinking that it is about meals and eating!
11:21 For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 1 Cor 11
Paul explains the Church in 1 Cor 11:23 what exactly the Lord told him:
11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you…., 1 Cor.
Did the Lord tell him anything about the LORD's supper as he gave it to Israel? NO? The Lord Jesus told him about the bread and the cup.
So what is the bread and the cup? Are you part of that group of people that Paul is calling WISE MEN who know how to judge what Christ gave to Paul as Part of the dispensation of grace? Or are you still confused as many others who do not understand the difference between The cup of blessing, The bread which we break, and the “Lords/ Passover supper”.
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 12
What Christ revealed to Paul is an ordinance (1 Cor 11:2) that has to do with remembrance. People are willing to listen every Sunday for about 30-45 minutes to a man preaching. In many places, this man even never heard about the dispensation of Grace. People build according to their traditional “music service” you cannot imagine going to some Bible fellowship and they will tell you we are not singing every Sunday but only one time a month or year. But when it comes to the cup of blessing & the bread which we break Satan will do everything that he can to turn us from following Paul in this matter as Paul was following Christ. (1 Cor. Chapters 10-11 are dealing with this subject).
So let’s not forget that Christ never told a member of the body of Christ anything about the yearly Lords/ Passover supper as Moses gave to Israel. Christ gave us through Paul the cup of blessing & the bread which we break.
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. 11
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you unless ye have believed in vain.3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Cor 15