Useful Bible Studies > 1 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 11
As Christ broke the bread, he explained the reason for his death (see 1 Corinthians 11:24). As he shared the cup, he spoke about the result of his death. A new kind of relationship would now exist between God and his people. Christ’s blood poured out of his body at his death. That blood makes this new relationship with God certain (Hebrews 9:14).
A ‘covenant’ means the promises that establish a relationship. For example, after a war, the opposing sides make a peace agreement, that is, a covenant. They make promises, for example, not to attack each other. The peace, which should follow, is their new relationship. By this means, opposing nations can become friendly.
In the new covenant between God and people, it is God who has made the promises. He promises to forgive when people confess their evil deeds to him. He promises to save people who trust him. When people invite him into their lives, he promises to establish a right relationship with them. He can do these wonderful things in a person’s life because of Christ’s death.
But although God makes the promises, people must accept them. They must confess their evil deeds to him, and they must trust him. It is like when somebody offers a cup to another person. That person must accept the cup and drink from it in order to gain any benefit.
Before people accept the benefit of Christ’s death, they are God’s enemies (Ephesians 2:11-12). But the blood of Christ changes the situation completely (Ephesians 2:13). The result is a right relationship with God (Ephesians 2:14-19).
Next part: Declare Christ’s death until his return (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 450 page course book.
© 2014, Keith Simons.