The Lord's Supper is recognized as a sacrament due to its institution by Christ, its connection to the New Covenant, and its role in the fellowship of believers.
The Lord's Supper is considered a sacrament within the Reformed tradition due to its origin in the direct command of Jesus during the Last Supper, where He instituted this practice as a remembrance of His sacrifice (Luke 22:19). It serves as both a sign and seal of the New Covenant, representing the believer's ongoing communion with Christ and one another as members of His body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Through the sharing of the bread and cup, believers proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). This sacrament emphasizes not only individual participation but also the corporate aspect of communal faith, reinforcing the unity of believers in Christ's death and resurrection. The proper understanding of the Lord's Supper navigates away from ritualism and emphasizes its centrality in the life of the church.
Scripture References:
Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:26
Commentary