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April 24, 2011 Q & A

Leavened or unleavened bread for the Lord's Supper?

Question

When I inquired why my church uses yeast bread instead of the unleavened bread traditionally used in the Lord's Supper, I was told that it was because the OPC believes that Christ becomes the leavening agent that causes us to rise. While I am new to the OPC, I am not a new believer. Is this what is taught and believed and how this is backed up in Scripture? I was always taught that Christ fulfilled the Passover and he was The Passover Lamb. He instructs us, "This do in remembrance of me," referring to the seder.

Answer

As a denomination, the OPC takes no position with regard to using leavened or unleavened bread in the Lord's Supper: the question is not addressed in our Confession of Faith or Directory for Public Worship. Instead, this is one of those "circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the church, common to human actions and societies which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed." (Confession of Faith 1.6) In your question, you set forth an argument for leavened bread which observes the general rules of the Word, and one for unleavened bread which also observes the general rules of the Word. It sounds to me that your session has made its decision in a godly way, seeking to have a Biblical rationale for its choice.

If you need any further clarification on the appropriateness of leavened bread in the Lord's Supper, your elders and pastor would be well-equipped to answer those questions. I pray your participation in this sacrament will continue to build up your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

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