Have you ever wondered about the significance of the “Words of Institution” in the Bible? These powerful words spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper hold profound meaning for Christians around the world. In this blog post, we will delve into the biblical passages that contain the Words of Institution and explore their importance in the context of the Eucharist.
Understanding the Words of Institution can deepen our appreciation for the sacrament of communion and strengthen our faith in the sacrificial love of Christ. Through an exploration of these sacred words, we can gain a greater insight into the unity of believers through the act of partaking in the body and blood of Jesus. Join us on this journey as we uncover the beauty and significance of the Words of Institution in the Bible.
Unveiling the Significance of the Words of Institution in the Bible
The Words of Institution in the Bible refer to the specific words spoken by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, as recorded in the New Testament. These words are considered to be a fundamental part of Christian liturgy and practice, particularly in the context of the sacrament of Holy Communion or the Eucharist. The key passages relating to the Words of Institution can be found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 1 Corinthians.
In the Gospel of Matthew (26:26-28), Jesus says: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark (14:22-24), the Words of Institution are recorded as: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them.”
In the Gospel of Luke (22:19-20), the Words of Institution are described as: “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Lastly, in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, the apostle Paul recounts the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Overall, the Words of Institution in the Bible hold significant theological and liturgical importance for Christians, as they symbolize the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of the new covenant. The recitation of these words during the celebration of the Eucharist serves as a central act of worship and remembrance for believers around the world.
Where are the words of institution found in the Bible?
The words of institution are found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in the First Epistle to the Corinthians. These words are spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, where he establishes the sacrament of the Eucharist. The key passages where the words of institution can be found are:
- Matthew 26:26-28
- Mark 14:22-24
- Luke 22:19-20
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
These passages contain the crucial words spoken by Jesus as he breaks bread and blesses the cup, instituting the Eucharist as a remembrance of his sacrifice.
What is the meaning of the words of institution?
The words of institution refer to the specific words spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper when he instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist. These words are found in the accounts of the Last Supper in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. The words of institution are considered central to the sacrament of the Eucharist because they represent the moment when Jesus gave his disciples the command to remember him through the sharing of bread and wine, which symbolize his body and blood. Christians believe that by repeating these words of institution during the celebration of the Eucharist, they are participating in the sacrificial meal instituted by Jesus himself.
What are the words of institution for communion?
The words of institution for communion are the words spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, as recorded in the Bible. They can be found in different parts of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The key verses are:
In Matthew 26:26-28, Jesus said: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”
In Mark 14:22-24, the words of institution are similar: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them.”
And in Luke 22:19-20, we read: “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'”
These words of institution are central to the practice of communion in Christian churches, as they are seen as the foundation for the sacrament of the Eucharist.
What does institute mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, the term “institute” is not specifically mentioned in a theological or organizational context. However, the concept of establishing laws, principles, or practices can be found throughout the scriptures. In this sense, to institute something in the Bible would refer to setting up or introducing certain regulations or customs. For example, God instituted the Ten Commandments as moral guidelines for the Israelites in the Old Testament.