Holy Communion, also known as the blessed sacrament, the Lord's supper, is more than remembering that Jesus Christ died for us. It is far more than reflecting on what he accomplished on the cross at Calvary.
It is fellowship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in participating in a love feast, a time of celebration.
In the Holy Communion service, the Eucharist, the giving of thanks, there should be:
confession
contrition
connection.
But there may not be because the service of Holy Communion is rushed, rapidly conducted without due care and attention, without due diligence.
According to Corinthians, the Eucharist, the Lord's supper should never be taken lightly or without discernment. It is for God's people to participate in a holy event, a sacrament, a divine encounter, a proclamation. 1 Corinthians 11: 23-34 explains the majesty of this mystery, this sacrament of grace.
Continued on 12 September
To expand the three points, confession, contrition and connection, I would say that they come together in communion, in fellowship, in koinonia with the triune God. His children are welcome to the table of blessing. It is a time of worship and wonder, when we are able to participate in a holy event, a divine encounter.
God is holy and almighty, a consuming fire and faithful Lord. Therefore He should be approached with reverence and awe. Confession is appropriate. We should confess our sins and seek His forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful and just in cleansing us from all unrighteousness through Christ Jesus. 1 John 1:9 applies. Some find the words of the General Confession helpful, even necessary.
That brings us to contrition. This is more than being sorry for our sins. Criminals in prison are sorry for the mess that they have done and the pain that it has caused family, friends and fellow criminals, but there is no repentance or contrition. And this can be true of people at church, who may have no intention of changing their lives, habits, harmful devices and desires. Contrition means a commitment to change and putting away everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1.
So the third point is connection. Do we in Holy Communion connect with God? Are we in fellowship with Him? Do we find intimacy and enjoy the amazing grace, hesed, abundance and benefits of His love.
I shall conclude with the words of Lord in Revelation, the Apocalypse, 3:19-20
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
Look here! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come right in and I will dine with him, and he with Me.
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