ANNOUNCING
You are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. —I Corinthians 11:26
When you and I take part in the Lord’s Table, Communion, the Lord’s Supper or whatever that time is called at the local church you attend, we are publicly proclaiming Jesus’ death on the cross and that one day He will come back again. This also means we are stating our faith in Jesus having risen from the dead (I Corinthians 15:20) and ascending back to heaven (Acts 1:11). These are foundational truths (I Corinthians 15:1-9).
Jesus came to that last Passover knowing what was just ahead for Him. His body would be beaten— given for us— and His blood would be shed— sealing the new agreement. The Eternal Son of God shed His blood and was beaten for us that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Those who call on His Name will be saved (Romans 10:13). Those who put their trust in Him will never be ashamed (Romans 10:11) and have been redeemed (bought out of the marketplace of sin) “with the precious blood of Christ (I Peter 1:18-21).
Yes, we proclaim that Jesus was/is the propitiation (His finished work on the cross satisfied the wrath of God against those who trust Him) for our sins and also for the sins of the whole world (I John 2:2). This wonderful gift of God, eternal life through Jesus, is available to all who call on His Name (Romans 6:23).
We who have put our faith in Jesus are fortunate people. We now know God, get to serve Him during this life and be with Him in Heaven forever when we die or when He comes back. We will be with Him forever in that perfect place where “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Rejoice you who know Him! We have a glorious forever future! If you have not trusted Jesus, why haven’t you? He is the only way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Dear Father, thank You for being able to know You now, to serve You now and to be with You in Heaven one day. I am grateful that Jesus made all this possible. May I faithfully live according to Your desires.