Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance:Remembrance and commemoration in the biblical context refer to the act of recalling and honoring significant events, covenants, and divine acts in the history of God's people. These practices serve to reinforce faith, obedience, and the continuity of God's promises throughout generations. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, remembrance is often associated with God's covenant with His people. The Israelites were commanded to remember God's mighty acts, such as the Exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 12:14, the Passover is instituted as a day of remembrance: "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; you are to celebrate it as a permanent statute for the generations to come." The use of physical symbols and rituals was common to aid in remembrance. For instance, the stones set up by Joshua after crossing the Jordan River served as a memorial for future generations (Joshua 4:7). The Sabbath is another example, as it is a weekly commemoration of God's creation and rest (Exodus 20:8-11). New Testament Context: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ institutes the Lord's Supper as a new form of remembrance. During the Last Supper, Jesus breaks bread and shares wine with His disciples, instructing them to do this in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19-20). This act commemorates His sacrificial death and the new covenant established through His blood. The Apostle Paul reiterates this practice in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, emphasizing the importance of proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes. This remembrance is not merely a recollection of past events but a profound spiritual participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Theological Implications: Remembrance in the biblical sense is deeply theological, serving as a means to connect believers with God's redemptive history. It is an act of faith that acknowledges God's past actions and anticipates His future promises. Commemoration through rituals and symbols reinforces the identity of God's people and their relationship with Him. Practical Applications: For Christians, remembrance and commemoration are integral to worship and spiritual life. Observing the Lord's Supper, celebrating Easter and Christmas, and engaging in personal and communal acts of remembrance are ways to honor God's work in history and in individual lives. These practices encourage believers to live in light of God's faithfulness and to pass on the faith to future generations. Scriptural References: · Exodus 12:14 : "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; you are to celebrate it as a permanent statute for the generations to come." · Joshua 4:7 : "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." · Luke 22:19-20 : "And He took the bread, gave thanks, 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 supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'" · 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 : "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, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'" |