2008 Memorial Study I

Memorial Study

Atlanta Bible Students

2008

Part I

THE LORD'S SUPPER.
The anniversary of the Lord's Supper will this year fall upon Friday evening, April 18th; and in -harmony with a custom among the early Christians, we esteem it as they did, a blessed privilege to commemorate our Lord's death in the manner which he requested us to observe, and at the time observed by him. Though he has made free from the Law all believers in him who were under it (Israelites), yet he was "under the Law" and was limited by it. Accordingly he could be crucified only upon the fourteenth day of the Jewish month Nisan (which this year commences Friday evening, April 18th, and ends at 8:11 P.M. on Saturday, the 19th), because his death was the antitype of the death of the lamb whose blood sprinkled upon their door-posts covered or protected the firstborn of Israel. And these firstborn in turn were exchanged for the tribe of Levi (Num. 3:12,13), of whom came the priests through whose sacrificial ministrations all the people were justified.

Question Answer

Was Jesus required to observe the Passover? Absolutely. As a Jew, born under the Law Covenant, He was required to keep the law. See Matt. 5:17

Upon what day was the Passover? 14^th of Nisan. Est 3:7; Exo. 12:2, 6

Are believers required to observe the Passover? No.

Of what was Jesus’ death the antitype? The antitype of the killing of the Passover Lamb.

In the type, whom did his blood cover? The Firstborn of Israel. Exo. 12:12,13

Is there a significance to the firstborn being exchanged for the tribe of Levi? Yes. The tribe of Levi became the teachers of their brethren in matters relating to God. It is from this class that the Priests come. See Num. 3:5-16, 39-45
When we think of the Levites our first thought should be the Firstborn.

The lamb typified Christ Jesus our Lord; its death represented his death. And, in exact correspondence with the type, his sacrificial death, must and did occur at the same date. The firstborn saved by the blood of the typical lamb, typified "the church of the firstborn, which he (Jesus) hath purchased with his own blood." Those firstborn Israelites, afterward the priests, typified the "Royal Priesthood" of whom the Lord himself is Chief Priest; and this anointed company is to be God's instrumentality for blessing all people who will come into harmony with him, typified by all Israel. Thus seen, the blood of the typical lamb cleansed and preserved all Israel, though applied at first and directly only to the firstborn. For if the firstborn ones had not been preserved, there would have been no priesthood; and if no priesthood, no reconciliation. So also in the antitype, the merit of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, is applied during the gospel night only to the firstborn, the church, the select little flock, the Royal Priesthood, who under the direction of the High Priest, shall soon in the incoming age, bring all of honest hearts (Israelites indeed) into full harmony with God.

Question Answer

Whom did the Passover lamb typify? Jesus. John 1:29, 36

What is the significance of the date of Passover? As a requierment of the Law it had to be kept on that date. Therefore, Jesus, the antitypical lamb of God, had to keep it on that date, i.e., Nisan 14. Exo. 12:6

In the type, who was saved by the blood of the lamb? The firstborn.

What did this typify? The "passing over" or sparing of the "church of the firstborn" during the Gospel age. Remember, it was the 'death angel' that went through the land of Egypt that night and slew all the firstborn who did not have the blood of the lamb on their door. Luke 10:20

If all the firstborn were saved, why is it that the High Priest and all the priests came from the tribe of Levi? Because the firstborn were exchanged for the tribe of Levi. From that point foreward the tribe of Levi represented the firstborn. See Num. 3:12,13.
The priesthood of Israel pictured the Royal Priesthood, the Church - with Jesus as the High Priest of our profession.

Did the blood of the lamb save all Israel or only the Firstborn? It saved only the firstborn on the Passover night, but through them the entire nation was saved. Later (as the priesthood) they were used of the Lord to save all Israel, i.e. to bring them (typically) into harmony with God through the various sacrifices of the Tabernacle. Thus the Firstborn saved all Israel. In other words, the Firstborn are saved first and afterwards, through them, all of Israel.

What is the antitype of this? The "Church of the Firstborn" are saved first and then through them (as the then glorified body of Christ) all the willing of the world of mankind will be saved.

Let all of the Church of Firstborns then intelligently and reverently commemorate, not the typical lamb, nor eat it as did the typical people (Israel), but let them celebrate the death of our Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God. Let us as often as its anniversary recurs, keep it in remembrance of him; for even Christ our Passover [lamb] is slain, therefore (let us not only commemorate his death) but let us joyfully afterward keep the antitype of the Feast of Passover.*
*The "Feast" is not the "supper," but follows it and has a totally different significance. The "Feast" with the Jews lasted a week, and commenced after the lamb had been killed and eaten. Its observance was marked by joy of heart, separation from all carnality and from leaven. It represents the life of joy and purity and separation from sin [leaven] which all who recognize the value of the lamb, etc., are to enjoy.

Question Answer

What is it that we commemorate? The death of the antitypical Passover Lamb, "the Lamb of God." We celebrate the memorial of the antitype.

When and how often should we commemorate His death? On the anniversary of his death - Nisan 14. We celebrate annually. It is just the same way that the United States celebrates its independence, not on any day, but annually on the fourth of July.

What is the difference between the Passover supper and the Feast of Passover? The Passover supper involved the eating of the slain lamb with the bitter herbs etc., and represented our Lord's sacrifical death. The "Feast of Passover" was the week that followed the Passover and it represents the life of joy, purity and separation from sin that the church experiences.

Which do we celebrate? Neither. We celebrate the memorial of the antitype of the Passover, i.e., we celebrate our Lord's death and our participation with Him in sacrifical death.

What is represented by the “Feast of Passover?” The "Feast of Passover" was the week that followed the Passover and it represents the life of joy, purity and separation from sin that the church experiences.

We do not celebrate the "Feast of Passover" on the night of April 18th. It is celebrated throughout the remainder of our lives which the seven days of its continuance represented; but we will celebrate the Supper, whose elements (bread and wine) symbolize the flesh and the blood of our Redeemer.

Question Answer

When do we celebrate the “Feast of Passover?” Never. But we do celebrate that which it pictures. This we do after having made our consecration. It is at that point that we begin to fulfill that which was shown in the Passover type. It is there that we:

come under the blood of the lamb
begin to eat of the bitter herbs
feast on the lamb, etc.

When and for how long do we celebrate that which the “Feast of Passover” represents? For the remainder of our lives.

What will we celebrate on April 18th? The memorial of our Lord's death (his flesh and blood) and our participation with him in the sin-offering.

And yet the bread and wine are only symbols, and to appreciate what we do we must see deeper than these while using them as our Lord directed, saying, "Do this, in remembrance of me." The partaking of the bread representing his flesh, to us means a partaking of those perfections which were in him as a perfect man, which we and all, lost through Adam. In partaking of the wine representing his blood, his life, we accept from God again through him, the right to live, lost in Adam. Thus the eating and drinking of the bread and wine, emblematic of his flesh and blood, signifies our complete justification. All of the Redeemer's human perfections and his right to life--given for us--are thus accepted by us, in this symbol. All believers in the ransom are thus privileged to celebrate or commemorate it, and the blessings it brings.

Question Answer

What is signified by the partaking of the bread? Our Justification. See John 6:48-51. Note his flesh is for the life of the world.

What is signified by drinking of the cup? Our participation in the sin-offering and our sanctification. See John 6:53-56. Note those who both eat his flesh and drink his blood (as represented in drinking the cup) will have life in himself as well as both dwelling in Jesus and Jesus dwelling in him.
Concerning the importance of the cup and how it is tied to our sanctification (not our justification) please see R4547; R3880.

Who is privileged to celebrate? All believers in the Ransom.

But among those "believers" there is a class, a "little flock," to whom it means all this and more. These are those who have consecrated themselves as the under priests, under their great Chief. To these the emblems not only signify the Lord's sacrifice by which they are justified to human life and all its rights, but also their own consecration to be joined in sacrifice with him, to suffer with him, to be dead with him; to sacrifice all the rights to human perfection and life to which their justification through acceptance of his sacrifice had entitled them. To these the emblems (bread and wine) are not only remembrancers of the Lord's sacrifice, but also of their own covenant to share the sacrifice with him, if by any means they might fulfill the conditions and be accounted worthy to be "made partakers of the divine nature," and to be with him, his "joint-heirs" and co-workers in blessing all the people.

Question Answer

To what special class of believers is this memorial specially for? The true church, the "Little Flock."

To these, what is represented by the bread and wine? They are both reminders of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf and also of our own covenant to be dead with him. A reminder (and renewal) of our own consecration vows.

Paul calls our attention to this feature of the commemoration, saying: "The loaf which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ [the "little flock," the Church, of which our Lord is the head]? the cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ [the entire anointed company]? For we, though many, [members] are one loaf and one body, for we are all partakers of that one loaf. --1 Cor. 10:15-17.

Question Answer

What association does Paul make with the emblems of the bread and the cup? The bread is the common-union or common-participation of the body of Christ.
The cup is the common-union or common-participation of the blood of Christ.

All must eat of the flesh and blood of our Lord Jesus: i.e., they must partake of those human rights and privileges which his sacrifice secured for all, either in this age by faith, or in the next age actually, else they will have no life rights, either to make sacrifice of now, or to enjoy (without the privilege of sacrificing them) hereafter. So then we urge all believers to "do this" intelligently, and while using the emblems, to accept and apply and appropriate fully the justification from all sin and the right to life which God holds out through the Lamb of God, and in no other name or way. And especially let all believers who have been immersed with Christ into his death, and thus into membership in his "body" (Rom. 6:3,4), do this, remembering their justification through his blood and renewing their covenant to be dead with him as human beings, that they may live with him as partakers of the new, the divine nature.

Question Answer

Must ALL eat (symbolically) of both the flesh and blood of Jesus to attain to life everlasting – on either the earthly or heavenly plane? In this article (February 1887) Brother Russell indicates all who would attain to everlasting life must (symbolically eat) of both the flesh and the blood of Jesus. However, in later articles it is clear that the eating of the bread (his flesh) is for the world. For those who would go beyond and attain to the Divine Nature, they must not only eat his flesh but, additionally, drink his blood. See John 6:53-56.

Is there life through any other than our Lord Jesus? No. See Acts 4:12.

Into what have we been immersed? – Rom. 6:3,4 Into his death. Rom. 6:3,4

What will be the result if we faithfully live out our covenant? We shall live with him (John 6:54) and be made partakers of the Divine Nature (2 Pet. 1:4).

So far as possible meet with such as you can recognize as fellow-members of the same body, and exclude no believer in the ransom. Arrange for the meeting long enough beforehand. It matters not who shall pass the emblems, even Judas may have assisted at the first celebration.

All who can do so are cordially invited to be present and celebrate with the church that is at Pittsburgh. If possible arrange your affairs to stay over the following Lord's day, which will be the anniversary of our Lord's resurrection. Turn aside--let us devote a few days to the pursuit of our spiritual interests exclusively. It will help possibly to break some of the cords by which the world, the flesh and the devil would bind us down to "diligence in business," to the dwarfing of the fervency of spirit in serving the Lord, so indispensable to every crown-winner.

Quite a number were present from a distance last year, and many more have expressed the intention of attending the coming celebration. Especially those whose labors are of a public character, will do well to come. Make a memorandum of questions which you would like to discuss, so that our communings together may be the more profitable. So far as possible all of our readers will be provided with board and lodging free during the meetings. Let us know of your coming a day or two ahead. Notice the date and get here some time before 6 P.M., of April 17th, that you may be in time for the celebration of the "supper." Come to the Z.W. TOWER business office.

R899 – February 1887
For those attending our Lord’s Memorial with the Atlanta Bible Students
* Date changed in the article from April 7th (date of Memorial in 1887) to April 18th (date of Memorial in 2008.)
Also please also note that the 14th of Nisan begins at sunset on Friday April 18, 2008. For the Atlanta, GA area, sunset is at 8:10 pm.
We will begin services at 7:45. The serving of the emblems will not take place until after 8:10.

Question	Answer
Was Jesus required to observe the Passover?	Absolutely. As a Jew, born under the Law Covenant, He was required to keep the law. See Matt. 5:17
Upon what day was the Passover?	14^th of Nisan. Est 3:7; Exo. 12:2, 6
Are believers required to observe the Passover?	No.
Of what was Jesus’ death the antitype?	The antitype of the killing of the Passover Lamb.
In the type, whom did his blood cover?	The Firstborn of Israel. Exo. 12:12,13
Is there a significance to the firstborn being exchanged for the tribe of Levi?	Yes. The tribe of Levi became the teachers of their brethren in matters relating to God. It is from this class that the Priests come. See Num. 3:5-16, 39-45 When we think of the Levites our first thought should be the Firstborn.

Question	Answer
Whom did the Passover lamb typify?	Jesus. John 1:29, 36
What is the significance of the date of Passover?	As a requierment of the Law it had to be kept on that date. Therefore, Jesus, the antitypical lamb of God, had to keep it on that date, i.e., Nisan 14. Exo. 12:6
In the type, who was saved by the blood of the lamb?	The firstborn.
What did this typify?	The "passing over" or sparing of the "church of the firstborn" during the Gospel age. Remember, it was the 'death angel' that went through the land of Egypt that night and slew all the firstborn who did not have the blood of the lamb on their door. Luke 10:20
If all the firstborn were saved, why is it that the High Priest and all the priests came from the tribe of Levi?	Because the firstborn were exchanged for the tribe of Levi. From that point foreward the tribe of Levi represented the firstborn. See Num. 3:12,13. The priesthood of Israel pictured the Royal Priesthood, the Church - with Jesus as the High Priest of our profession.
Did the blood of the lamb save all Israel or only the Firstborn?	It saved only the firstborn on the Passover night, but through them the entire nation was saved. Later (as the priesthood) they were used of the Lord to save all Israel, i.e. to bring them (typically) into harmony with God through the various sacrifices of the Tabernacle. Thus the Firstborn saved all Israel. In other words, the Firstborn are saved first and afterwards, through them, all of Israel.
What is the antitype of this?	The "Church of the Firstborn" are saved first and then through them (as the then glorified body of Christ) all the willing of the world of mankind will be saved.

Question	Answer
What is it that we commemorate?	The death of the antitypical Passover Lamb, "the Lamb of God." We celebrate the memorial of the antitype.
When and how often should we commemorate His death?	On the anniversary of his death - Nisan 14. We celebrate annually. It is just the same way that the United States celebrates its independence, not on any day, but annually on the fourth of July.
What is the difference between the Passover supper and the Feast of Passover?	The Passover supper involved the eating of the slain lamb with the bitter herbs etc., and represented our Lord's sacrifical death. The "Feast of Passover" was the week that followed the Passover and it represents the life of joy, purity and separation from sin that the church experiences.
Which do we celebrate?	Neither. We celebrate the memorial of the antitype of the Passover, i.e., we celebrate our Lord's death and our participation with Him in sacrifical death.
What is represented by the “Feast of Passover?”	The "Feast of Passover" was the week that followed the Passover and it represents the life of joy, purity and separation from sin that the church experiences.

Question	Answer
When do we celebrate the “Feast of Passover?”	Never. But we do celebrate that which it pictures. This we do after having made our consecration. It is at that point that we begin to fulfill that which was shown in the Passover type. It is there that we: come under the blood of the lamb begin to eat of the bitter herbs feast on the lamb, etc.
When and for how long do we celebrate that which the “Feast of Passover” represents?	For the remainder of our lives.
What will we celebrate on April 18th?	The memorial of our Lord's death (his flesh and blood) and our participation with him in the sin-offering.

Question	Answer
What is signified by the partaking of the bread?	Our Justification. See John 6:48-51. Note his flesh is for the life of the world.
What is signified by drinking of the cup?	Our participation in the sin-offering and our sanctification. See John 6:53-56. Note those who both eat his flesh and drink his blood (as represented in drinking the cup) will have life in himself as well as both dwelling in Jesus and Jesus dwelling in him. Concerning the importance of the cup and how it is tied to our sanctification (not our justification) please see R4547; R3880.
Who is privileged to celebrate?	All believers in the Ransom.

Question	Answer
To what special class of believers is this memorial specially for?	The true church, the "Little Flock."
To these, what is represented by the bread and wine?	They are both reminders of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf and also of our own covenant to be dead with him. A reminder (and renewal) of our own consecration vows.

Question	Answer
Must ALL eat (symbolically) of both the flesh and blood of Jesus to attain to life everlasting – on either the earthly or heavenly plane?	In this article (February 1887) Brother Russell indicates all who would attain to everlasting life must (symbolically eat) of both the flesh and the blood of Jesus. However, in later articles it is clear that the eating of the bread (his flesh) is for the world. For those who would go beyond and attain to the Divine Nature, they must not only eat his flesh but, additionally, drink his blood. See John 6:53-56.
Is there life through any other than our Lord Jesus?	No. See Acts 4:12.
Into what have we been immersed? – Rom. 6:3,4	Into his death. Rom. 6:3,4
What will be the result if we faithfully live out our covenant?	We shall live with him (John 6:54) and be made partakers of the Divine Nature (2 Pet. 1:4).