Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them," and it is because of observation of and participation in the Lord's supper here in America and in several hotter countries that I am constrained to write on this subject. This is done because I am convinced that many brethren everywhere are confused regarding the significance of the supper and its purpose.
This matter was brought to my attention very vividly, causing me to be really distressed, when I received a letter from a faithful Christian who said, "Christians are commanded to assemble on the first day of the week so that they may be cleansed through prayers and by brad and fruit of the vine" I have noticed that same sentiment intimated by some who wait on the Lord's table. In fact, sometimes it is obvious that some are concerned about being present each week so their sins will be forgiven and they will be safe until the next Sunday!
Now it is true that bread we eat is to be eaten in memory of the body of Christ which was given on the cross for our salvation. Likewise, we drink the fruit of the vine in memory of the blood Jesus shed for the remission of our sins (Romans 3:24, 25). Thus we must always emphasize the importance of partaking of the Lord's supper because it enables us to remember Jesus the way he wants to be remembered and the way He knows we need to remember Him. Indeed, the Lord's supper is "in remembrance" of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Properly understood and scripturally observed, it guarantees "never forgetfulness."
But the Lord's supper does not bring forgiveness of sin. If we observe it with that thought (that is, that it brings us forgiveness), we make a double mistake: (1) we thus fail to make the significant remembrance which is the Lord's intent, and (2) we may fail to receive forgiveness because that is not the way to get such pardon. (Forgiveness is secured for the faithful Christian who walks in the light (1 John 1:7,9). Forgiveness is ours when we forgive others (Matthew 6:12-15) and when we confess our sins in humble penitence, which includes prayer).
Brethren, this is not a trivial matter. Preachers need to do make teaching on the real purpose of the Lord's supper. I fear that some may be allowing the wrong attitude because that may cause people to assemble - to supposedly get forgiveness. In fact the quote I gave at the beginning of this article was from a preacher. But surely the true child of God will be genuinely motivated to be present for the Lord's supper by the scriptural purpose that is, in itself, so very meaningful -- remembrance of the suffering, sinless sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Let's make the Lord's supper more meaningful to all of us by stressing its real purpose, even while we help people to avoid a wrong purpose -- which may actually make the whole matter void (Matthew 15:9; 1 Corinthians 11:29-30).
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 4/25/99.