Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church
1301 W. Wieland Rd. · Lansing, MI 48906 · Stephen Pribble, Pastor

December 14, 1996

For some time the session has been considering the matter of the elements used in the communion service. Our doctrinal standards state: “The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to declare his word of institution to the people; to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to a holy use...” (WCF 29:3). “Christ hath appointed the ministers of his word, in the administration of this sacrament of the Lord’s supper, to set apart the bread and wine from common use, by the word of institution, thanksgiving, and prayer; to take and break the bread, and to give both the bread and the wine to the communicants: who are, by the same appointment, to take and eat the bread, and to drink the wine, in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given, and his blood shed, for them” (LC 169).

The Lord’s supper was instituted at the passover (Lk. 22:7-20). In this historical setting it is evident that our Lord, in instituting the sacrament, used unleavened bread (Lev. 23:6, Lk. 22:7). It is also manifest that he used fermented wine, for unfermented grape juice would not have been available in ancient Palestine in the spring of the year when Passover was observed, many months after the grape harvest. (There is no indication in Scripture that he performed a miracle on this occasion and created fresh grape juice.)

It has been the practice of Grace OPC to use leavened bread, with both wine and grape juice, for communion. Wine and grape juice were both provided in order to avoid giving offense to any who may struggle with the temptation to abuse alcohol. Some also felt that even the minuscule amount of alcohol ingested during communion could be harmful to pregnant women. But using both wine and grape juice destroys the symbolism of the spiritual unity that blood-bought believers share by virtue of the common salvation purchased by Jesus Christ—the essence of the word “communion.” Paul wrote, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10:16). There is only one cup; there is only one way of salvation.

It is the church’s conviction that God reserves the right to prescribe how he should be worshiped. Man may only worship God as he himself has appointed in his word. Our Lord chose to use fermented wine in instituting his supper (a fact acknowledged in the use of the word “wine” in the Westminster Standards). He who is wisdom incarnate, who created man’s body, surely would not require anything of his people that would cause them to stumble, or impair their health.

Desiring to bring the church’s worship into closer conformity with Scripture, Grace OPC will begin serving only unleavened bread and fermented wine in communion beginning January 5, 1997. Christ is the Lord of the church, and he has faithfully expressed his will in his holy word. The elders seek true unity based upon understanding, and stand ready to discuss any of your concerns with you at any time. May God be glorified in his church.

In Christ,

Stephen Pribble
Pastor