What Is Communion? Text: Hebrews 10:19-25NKJ
An old question: "Can I be a Christian without joining a church or attending worship?"
Answer: "Yes, it is possible, but it’s highly unlikely. It would be like: A student who will not go to school; A soldier who will not join the army; A citizen who does not pay taxes or vote; A salesman with no customers; An explorer with no base camp; A seaman in a ship without a crew; A businessman on a deserted island; An author without readers; A football player without a team; A politician who is a hermit; A scientist who does not share his findings; A bee without a hive."
Why should we go to church? The importance of assembling benefits the individual with spiritual stability and growth, it also benefits positive effect on others. The church meeting is far more than a place for one to be entertained or to hear, for these can be accomplished through radio or television. The purpose for the assembling is for participation in worship and fellowship with one another. (1)
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
The author of Hebrews demonstrates the relationship between faith, hope, and love. Faith in God, leads believers to place their hope in His promises. Restoring a right relationship with God then prompts believers to restore their relationship with others which produces love.
Let’s look at our text again, Hebrews 10:19NLT And so, (Therefore) dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.
In verse 19, Therefore, recalls the therefore of Hebrews 4:16NKJ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Unlike the Israelites who approached God at Mount Sinai with fear and trembling because of the law, believers can approach God with boldness because we posses Christ’s righteousness and not our own.
The Holiest refers to the very presence of God. On this earth, most of us do not have immediate access to a president or monarch, but through Christ blood, we have perpetual access to God Himself.
Listen to Hebrews 9:8,12NLT By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use. 12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.
Many believers act as though their still subject to Mt. Sinai, the law.
Hebrews 10:20NLT explains this better. 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
The OT high priest passed through a veil to get to the Most Holy Place. However presently, Believer’s enter God’s presence through the blood of Jesus’ flesh, meaning His sacrificial death.
What is this new and living way? Through Jesus Christ and everything He accomplished. (We do this through remembrance, remembrance of His flesh and His blood!
Again hear Hebrews 10:19-21TM So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The “curtain” into God’s presence is his body.
Now notice Verses 22-24 from the text: Vs. 22, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, Vs. 23, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, Vs. 24, And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
The author exhorts his readers to faith, hope, and love through three commands: Faith- Let us draw near…Hope-Let us hold fast… Love- Let us consider…
Vs.22 say’s, You can come before Jesus Christ with certainty. ( No doubts or no reservation) Come with a true heart filled with the redemption power of Jesus Christ!
Vs.23 say’s, You can hold fast the confession with hope.
Vs.24 say’s, You should always consider others so you can stir up love and good works.
Hebrews 10:25NLT And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Again vs.25 say’s, Let us not neglect meeting together… However the author say’s, Some have failed in this, but you should encourage others, especially now that the day of Jesus’ return is drawing near.
So what is communion? It’s coming together to fellowship with Jesus Christ and each other.
Today, the cross represent the beginning of freedom for all mankind. Jesus willingly allowed His body to stay on the cross for the wages of our sins.
The cross brought deliverance for all who believe. It brought newness and restoration. It stands for hope for today and faith and love for tomorrow.
The question is- What’s holding you back from service? Maybe a failure of the past or present, Habit, Sickness, depression, hurt feelings, or Insecurities.
Matthew 26:26-28NKJ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Sources:
1. (From a sermon by Mark Schaeufele, New Life On Purpose: Worship, 1/22/2010)
