Page 316 - Bible Writers Theology Original

300 ♦ Bible Writers' Theology Chapter Nine
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. 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; cf. Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; John 6:35-63).
The use of literal bread and the fruit of the vine was instituted as the emblems of Christ's broken body and shed blood. This is also figurative of the Passover feast (Exodus 12:14-24; 1Corinthians 5:7; Matthew 26:17-18; 20, 26). The proper observance of the Lord's supper should follow the instruction of Paul to the Church (1 Corinthians 11:17-24; 10:14-22; 5:6-8; Isaiah 28:7-8). There is spiritual significance (John 6:63; Ephesians 5:30; 1 Peter 1:2; 11 Peter 1:4), and blessing in partaking of the sacrament (Isaiah 25:6-8;John6:35-37). Onlythosewhohaveexperiencedthenewbirth'and whose lives are obedient to Christ, having prepared themselves in repen tance, should partake of the communion (Exodus 12:48).
3 Foot-washing
In John 13:4-5, at the end of the Passover supper with His disciples, the Lord raised and "laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded him self. After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disci ples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." Jesus set a great example of humility: "If 1 then, your Lord and Master, have washed yourfeet, yealso ought to wash one another's feet. For 1have given
youanexample,thatyeshoulddoas1havedonetoyou" Qohn13:14-15).
This divine institution, which usually accompanies the Lord's supper, and teaches humility, service, and Christian unity, should continue to be observed in the Church. (See also 1Timothy 5:10; Romans 12:13; I Peter 4:9.)
D Spiritual Gifts
In I Corinthians 12:1, God speaks through Paul, "Now concerning spiri tual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." "Neglect not the gift that is in thee" (I Timothy 4:14), and "stir up the gift of God, which is in thee" (IITimothy1:6).ThesearethecommandsofPaultoTimothy. Thegiftsthat are usually referrea^o the edification of the body in the New Testament are
listed in I Corinthians 12:8-10,28; Romans 12:4-8; and Ephesians 4:11-12. The nine gifts listed in I Corinthians 12:8-10 can be conveniently grouped into three areas:
i. Gifts of Revelation
They are all God-given disclosures. It remains part of the word of the Spirit to reveal the things of God to those whom He indwells (Colossians 1:9-11; I Corinthians 2:7, 9-13,16).