One Ordinance, Many Names: Understanding the Lord's Supper

This Sunday, we will be partaking of the Lord's Supper and if you’ve been in different Baptist churches, or with different pastors, you may have noticed that the Lord’s Supper is called by different names. Some call it “The Lord’s Supper,” others refer to it as “Communion,” some say, “The Breaking of Bread,” and others use “The Lord’s Table.” Have you ever wondered why? Each of these names comes from Scripture and like the different cuts of a diamond, each name highlights a unique facet of its glory and significance.

Grape juice was first used as a substitute for wine in church by Dr. Thomas Welch, a Methodist from New Jersey, in 1869. He later founded Welch’s Grape Juice Company.

Different Names, Same Purpose

From my unscientific observation, the most common name used by Baptist churches appears to be The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20). This name reminds us that this meal originates with and belongs to Christ—it was given by Him, and it’s about Him. When we partake, we are remembering Christ's atonement: the bodily sacrifice of our Savior for our sins.

Another name is Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16), which speaks of our fellowship with Christ and with one another. As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded of our covenantal relationship with God and each other, unified in our faith, proclaiming that Jesus’ sacrifice is our only hope for being in a right relationship with the Almighty and holy God.

Some call it The Breaking of Bread (Acts 2:42), pointing back to the early church’s simple yet meaningful practice of sharing this meal together. This reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is not about pastoral hierarchy and elaborate rituals—it’s about remembering Christ by serving one another.

Then there’s The Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 10:21), a name that emphasizes the holiness of what we are doing. It reminds us to approach this time with reverence and self-examination, making sure our hearts are right before the Lord.

While the names may differ, they all point to the same glorious truth: the Lord Jesus Christ willingly gave His body and shed His blood for sinners, and (as repentant sinners saved by God's grace), we come together to remember His sacrifice.

How Baptists Observe the Lord’s Supper

As Baptists, we hold a distinct understanding of the Lord’s Supper. While the points below are by no means an exhaustive explanation, they highlight key differences between the Baptist view and those of other Christian traditions:

• We believe the Lord’s Supper is symbolic. Some teach that the bread and cup actually become Jesus’ body and blood (transubstantiation), or that Christ is physically present “in, with, and under” the elements (consubstantiation). But Jesus often spoke in symbolic language (“I am the vine” – John 15:5; “I am the door” – John 10:9), and we believe He was doing the same when He said, “This is my body” (Luke 22:19). The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance, not a mystical transformation.

  
  

Additionally, the Lord’s Supper does not grant salvation; it is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice for those who are already saved.

• We see it as a proclamation. Paul tells us, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Every time we take the Lord’s Supper, we are preaching the gospel—visually declaring that Jesus died for sinners, that He rose victoriously over death, and that He is coming again.

  
  

• We practice believer’s participation. In some churches, only a priest or minister handles the elements. In Baptist churches, all saved, baptized believers are encouraged to partake together. When believers pass the elements to those beside them, they are actively serving one another, reflecting the unity and fellowship of the church. (You may notice that I do not serve the elements to myself; instead, a deacon does, and I serve the deacons. This further emphasizes that the Lord’s Supper is not about hierarchy but about service). Additionally, some Baptist churches practice close communion (where only saved, baptized believers from churches of "like faith and practice" may participate), and others practice closed communion (where only saved, baptized members of the church where the Supper is taking place may take part). Note: Some are so closed that attendance at the Lord's Supper is by "invitation only." Either way, whether close or closed, the focus is on the gathered body of believers, sharing in this ordinance together.

  
  

  Note: Most Baptist churches do not practice open communion, where anyone—regardless of their faith or Christian testimony—can partake.

  
  

How Should We Approach the Lord’s Supper?

Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 11:28, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” 

The Lord’s Supper is not just a routine; it is a sacred gathering of believers, calling us to examine our walk with Christ.

Are we harboring unconfessed sin? Are we taking for granted the price Jesus paid? This is a time to humble ourselves before the Lord, repent where needed, and rejoice in the grace He has given us.

No matter what we may call it—The Lord’s Supper, Communion, The Breaking of Bread, or The Lord’s Table—this ordinance is a purifying and unifying gift from the Lord Jesus Christ to His church. As we gather and partake, may we do so with grateful hearts, remembering His sacrifice, proclaiming His death, and looking forward to the day when we will feast with Him in glory.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)