Santa ceia
A Santa Ceia é uma das ordenanças mais sagradas da igreja cristã. Instituída por Jesus na última noite antes da crucificação, ela celebra seu sacrifício e proclama sua morte até que Ele volte.
A instituição por Jesus
Na noite em que foi traído, Jesus tomou o pão e o cálice, deu graças e os compartilhou com os discípulos, dizendo: 'Fazei isto em memória de mim.'
And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and gave thanks, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. Verily I say unto you, I shall no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
O significado espiritual
A Ceia é participação no corpo e no sangue de Cristo. Jesus ensinou que quem come de sua carne e bebe de seu sangue tem a vida eterna.
A prática da Igreja
Desde os primeiros cristãos, a Ceia do Senhor é parte fundamental da vida comunitária da Igreja, celebrada com reverência e exame de consciência.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and the prayers.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.