A Brief History Of Mother’s Day

A Brief History Of Mother’s Day

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 8, 2026 (Donate)

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! Don’t miss it! What a great day to honor our respective mothers. Did you know this is actually a recent holiday?

Mother's Day celebration; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Mother's Day In Kentucky

Mother’s Day started in Henderson, Kentucky by Mary Sasseen Wilson. This was in April of 1887 and she wrote and spoke on the subject throughout the South. She served prominently in the Alabama Sunday School Association and promoted Mother’s Day largely through churches and Christian educational programs. Later, others picked up the torch to honor their mothers. The Kentucky Historical Society states,

“Here, Mary Towles Sasseen Wilson in 1887 first observed Mother's Day. Started with her pupils. In 1893, she obtained national observance. Kentucky Legislature recognized her as ‘originator of idea.’”[1]

There was a movement prior to this also called “Mother’s Day” but was an entirely different entity. It was started by Julia Ward Howe after the Civil War (around 1870) in the Boston, MA area and had small following for about 30 years before it fizzled out. This was meant as a Day of Peace to stand against the cruelty of war—of which mothers indeed grieve more than most and know those horrors when the child doesn’t return. But this was much different from modern Mother’s Day.

Julia Ward Howe, Public Domain

National Recognition

Mother’s Day, as celebrated in the United States today at a national level, was largely the work of Anna Jarvis in the early twentieth century (West Virginia). After her mother’s death in 1905, Jarvis sought to establish a day to honor the sacrifices and influence of mothers on the grandest scale. The first widely recognized Mother’s Day service by Jarvis took place in 1908 at a church in Grafton, West Virginia.[2]

Jarvis campaigned vigorously for national recognition, writing letters and organizing events. Her efforts were successful when Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914 designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States.[3] The holiday quickly spread beyond America, being adopted in various forms in many countries.

Interestingly, Jarvis later opposed the commercialization of the holiday, criticizing the greeting card and floral industries for turning a heartfelt observance into a profit-driven event. But the connection of showing motherly love through these means has obviously taken root. 

Mother’s Day is a nationally recognized holiday in the United States. While it isn't a federal holiday that closes government offices, it is officially observed each year and widely acknowledged across the nation. Churches, families, and communities commonly mark the day with special services, meals, and expressions of appreciation.

Many countries around the world also observe Mother’s Day, though the date and customs may differ. Despite these variations, the central theme remains the same: honoring mothers for their care, sacrifice, and influence in the family and society.

Anna Jarvis, Public Domain

Growth in Popularity

Mother’s Day has grown into one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the United States. Over time, it has become one of the busiest days for restaurants, florists, and greeting card companies. Families often gather for meals, give gifts, write cards, and spend intentional time honoring their mothers.

Its popularity has increased due to several factors. First, the universal nature of motherhood makes the holiday broadly relatable. Second, cultural emphasis on family values reinforces the importance of recognizing parental roles. Third, commercial promotion has expanded its visibility and participation.

Despite commercialization, many families continue to observe the day in meaningful and personal ways, focusing on gratitude and honor rather than materialism.

How Mother’s Day Honors Scripture

Mother’s Day aligns well with biblical principles, even though it isn't a biblically mandated holiday. Scripture consistently teaches the importance of honoring parents, especially mothers.

·       Exodus 20:12 (NKJV) states, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." This command is foundational and is reaffirmed in the New Testament.

·       Ephesians 6:2–3 (NKJV) says, "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

The Bible also discusses the value and influence of a godly mother. Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman whose children rise up and call her blessed. 2 Timothy 1:5 commends the sincere faith found in Timothy’s mother and grandmother, showing the spiritual impact mothers can have to their children and grandchildren.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to put these biblical teachings into practice by expressing gratitude, respect, and love toward mothers. It serves as a cultural reminder of a timeless biblical truth: that mothers are worthy of honor for their role in nurturing life, teaching truth, and shaping families.

Summary

Mother’s Day began as a heartfelt effort by Mary Sasseen Wilson and Anna Jarvis to honor mothers and was officially recognized in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson. It is now a nationally observed holiday in the United States and widely celebrated around the world. Its popularity has grown significantly through cultural and commercial influence, yet its core purpose remains rooted in honoring mothers.

While not commanded in Scripture, the principles behind Mother’s Day strongly reflect biblical teaching on honoring parents and valuing the role of mothers in the family. PS Don't forget your mother on Mother's Day! 

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

* Image by ChatGPT

---

[1] history.ky.gov/markers/mothers-day.

[2] See: Jarvis, A. (1908). Mother’s Day service materials and correspondence. Grafton, WV: Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church; Jarvis, A. (1912). Trademark application for “Second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day”. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

[3] Woodrow Wilson. (1914). Proclamation 1268—Mother’s Day. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

The Doctrine Of Angelology, Satanology, And Demonology

The Doctrine Of Angelology, Satanology, And Demonology

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 7, 2026 (Donate)

There is a lot of misinformation floating around our culture about Satan, demons, and angels. Many movies about Satan ruling Hell just make me sigh and groan. Satan will be captive in Hell punished just like any other for his sin against an infinite and perfectly holy God.

Satan, or his fallen angelic beings who chased his sin, have no power next to God who upholds their very being into existence. Yet they, like man, have sinned against God. Those angels that didn’t sin against God are called “elect angels” (1 Timothy 5:21) and this would include Michael (e.g., Jude 1:9) the archangel and Gabriel (e.g., Luke 1:19).

The Bible is our sole source of truth about the spiritual realms; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The Creation Of Spiritual Beings

The studies of angelology, Satanology (i.e., diabology), and demonology is the biblical study of the doctrines of angels, Satan, and demons. Scripture reveals that God created both the visible and invisible realms. The Holy Spirit wrote through Paul:

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16 NKJV)

Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, worship Him, and carry out His will. Hebrews describes them as “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14 NKJV).

Unlike humans, angels aren't physical beings by nature, though they can appear visibly when God permits. They possess intelligence, personality, and moral accountability—hence they can sin and be justly punished for it.

When Were Satan, Angels, And Demons Created?

The Bible doesn't explicitly state the exact day angels were created during Creation Week, but many theologians have attempted to place their creation within Genesis 1. Dr. Douglas Kelly, (see his book Creation and Change), suggested they were likely created on either Day 1 or Day 3 of Creation Week based largely on Job 38:4-7. In that passage, God asked Job:

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? … When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4, 7 NKJV)

The “sons of God” in this context are commonly understood to be angels rejoicing as God formed the foundations of the earth. So was this when God created the earth as the initial waters on Day 1 or when the solid foundations of the earth were made on Day 4. We simply don’t know, but angels were created by this point according to the book of Job. Since they witnessed portions of creation, they themselves must have been created earlier in Creation Week.

Originally, all angels were created good. Genesis 1:31 declares:

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31 NKJV)

This declaration would include the invisible, spiritual realm of angels as part of God’s perfect creation. There was no evil, death, rebellion, or corruption in the original world. Satan wasn't created evil.

King of Tyre sitting on his throne; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Ezekiel 28, while addressing the king of Tyre in an elevated prophetic manner, also appears to describe Satan’s original beauty and position prior to his rebellion—Satan was influencing the King of Type by the context:

“You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” (Ezekiel 28:12 NKJV)

Similarly, Isaiah 14 describes the prideful fall of “Lucifer,” a title historically associated with Satan:

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” (Isaiah 14:12 NKJV)

Lucifer, like the devil or Satan, is another name often ascribed to Satan. Though these passages have immediate earthly contexts, many Christians understand them to also reveal truths about Satan’s original state and rebellion.

When Could Satan And Fallen Angels (Demons) Fall?

The fall of Satan and the demons had to occur after God completed creation and declared it “very good,” but before Satan tempted Eve in Genesis 3. Therefore, the rebellion likely occurred sometime after Day Six and before the temptation in the Garden of Eden. 

The Garden of Eden may have been much  larger and far more immaculate than we commonly think; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Revelation 12 symbolically refers to Satan drawing a third of the stars of heaven with him, often understood as a reference to fallen angels joining his rebellion:

“And his tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.” (Revelation 12:4 NKJV)

These fallen angels are commonly called demons. Demons remain spiritual beings opposed to God and hostile toward mankind. Throughout the Gospels, demons afflicted people physically and spiritually, recognized Christ’s authority, and feared final judgment. Jesus repeatedly cast out demons, demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm.

How Was Pride The Sin Of Satan’s Initial Rebellion?

The initial sin of Satan appears to have been pride. First Timothy 3:6 warns church leaders not to become prideful “lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” Satan desired worship and authority belonging only to God. Isaiah records five prideful declarations associated with his rebellion:

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13-14 NKJV)

Satan’s rebellion wasn't merely ambition but treason against the Creator. Rather than humbly serving God, he sought to exalt himself above God’s authority. Pride remains one of the most destructive sins because it elevates self above submission to the Lord.

James 1:14-15 explains the progression of sin by showing how temptation begins internally, grows through desire, and ultimately produces death:

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (NKJV).

This pattern closely parallels Satan’s fall. Satan wasn't created evil but became corrupted through his own personal prideful desire. Isaiah 14:13-14 reveals the repeated “I will” statements of Satan’s heart as he desired to exalt himself above God. His sinful ambition conceived rebellion, and that rebellion resulted in judgment and spiritual death.

Just as James describes temptation progressing from inward desire to outward rebellion and finally destruction, Satan’s fall shows the devastating outcome of pride when a created being seeks self-exaltation instead of humble submission to God.

From there, Satan then became the deceiver of mankind and the whole world. In Genesis 3, Satan influenced the serpent to tempt Eve into doubting and disobeying God’s Word. The serpent asked:

“Has God indeed said…?” (Genesis 3:1, NKJV)

This attack on God’s Word became the foundation of temptation. Satan then proceeded with a very clever deception of Eve.

Adam and Eve rebelled against God, bringing sin, death, suffering, and the curse into the world. Romans 5:12 explains:

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12, NKJV)

Though Satan is powerful compared to man, he isn't equal to God. Scripture never presents Satan as God’s opposite equal. Instead, the devil is a marred creation of God with virtually no power next to God.

Can Fallen Angels And Satan Be Eligible For Salvation?

God is eternal, all-powerful, and sovereign over creation, whereas Satan is a created being under God’s ultimate authority. Even Satan’s actions are limited by God, as demonstrated in the book of Job (and elsewhere).

The Bible also teaches a final judgment for Satan and the demons. Jesus spoke of “the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41, NKJV). There will be no possibility or salvation for Satan or demons. Revelation describes Satan’s ultimate defeat:

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10, NKJV)

Unlike mankind, fallen angels are not offered salvation. They aren't eligible for it. The descendant of Adam and Eve—who are made in the image of God, are eligible for salvation because Christ became a man to save us. The book of Hebrews plainly states that Christ became a man, not an angel, in order to redeem man:

“For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.” (Hebrews 2:16, NKJV)

Jesus took on human flesh because mankind was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Christ came as the “last Adam” to redeem fallen humans through His death and resurrection. Angels aren’t described as bearing God’s image in the same covenantal or representative way mankind does.

God’s Word is certain, Satan’s ultimate defeat is going to happen. Though believers still face spiritual warfare, Christ has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness through the Cross and resurrection. The Holy Spirit declares:

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15 NKJV)

The doctrines of angelology, diabology, and demonology ultimately points believers back to the greatness of God, the seriousness of sin and rebellion, and the victory of Jesus Christ over Satan, demons, and every spiritual enemy.

For more on Satan, please see: The Fall of Satan by Bodie Hodge

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

* Images generated by ChatGPT

 

Doctrines Of Confession And Absolution

Doctrines Of Confession And Absolution

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 6, 2026 (Donate)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

As Christians, it is important that we confess our sin. To whom do we confess our sins, becomes a point of disagreement among various denominations.

In Lutheranism, Confession and Absolution (the declaration of forgiveness) are sometimes together referred to as a third sacramental practice or third ordinance (along with Baptism and the Lord Supper).

Corporate prayer; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Though in reality, it is not universally placed alongside Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as a full sacrament. It is instead understood as an important means of grace that applies the promises of the gospel to the individual believer.

Other Christians that came out of the Reformation view confession and absolution much differently. More on this in a moment.

Confession

Confession consists of two essential parts. First is the confession of sins, where the believer acknowledges his or her sins before God. This may be done privately in prayer or in the presence of a pastor. Second is contrition, which is genuine sorrow or repentance over sin along with an actual desire to turn from it.

In Lutheran understanding, even when confession is spoken to a pastor, it is ultimately directed to God, who alone is in the position to forgives sins.

Absolution

Absolution is the declaration of forgiveness. In Lutheran practice, the pastor proclaims forgiveness and this is presumed to ultimately be the command of Christ. The pastor does not dispense grace but announces God’s promise. This is based in passages like John 20:22–23, where Christ gives authority to His disciples regarding the forgiveness of sins.

The pastor does not forgive sins by his own authority. Rather, he serves as an instrument through whom God announces forgiveness. Absolution is a declaration of forgiveness already won by Christ. The power of absolution lies in the Word of God and the promise of the gospel, not in the person of the pastor.

Finer Lutheran Understanding

Lutherans teach that Confession and Absolution is not a legal requirement that must be fulfilled in order to have forgiveness. Instead, it is a gift meant to comfort troubled consciences. Forgiveness is predicated entirely in the finished work of Jesus Christ and is received by faith.

This practice reflects the central Reformation doctrine of justification by faith alone. The act of confessing does not earn grace; rather, it receives and clings to the grace already provided in Christ.

Public And Private Practice

Confession and Absolution may take place in two primary forms. Public confession occurs during worship services, where the congregation confesses sin together and receives a general declaration of forgiveness. Private confession involves an individual confessing sins to a pastor and receiving personal absolution. While private confession is encouraged in Lutheranism, it is not required.

Prayer to God and confession of sins directly through Christ; Image requested by Bodie Hodge* 

This is in stark contrast to the Roman Catholic view from which Luther came out. Absolution is part of the sacrament of Penance in the Roman view. Furthermore, in the Roman Church, the priest is understood to actually dispense forgiveness through sacramental authority. So there is a big difference between the Lutheran understanding and the Roman Catholic positions.

Other Protestant Views

Many other Protestant traditions, such as Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Wesleyans, and non-denominational churches, agree with confession of one’s sins but do not recognize Confession and Absolution as an ordinance or sacramental act. Instead, Protestants, outside of Lutheranism, direct confession specifically to God alone without the mediation of a pastor or minister.

Most denominations appeal to passages like 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV), "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." This means that Christ alone is the mediator. Therefore, believers may confess their sins directly to God in prayer and receive forgiveness based on His promises and His finished work on the Cross and resurrection—without the need of a minister.

While corporate confession may still be practiced in worship settings, it is typically not accompanied by a formal declaration of absolution from a minister. Rather, assurance of forgiveness is found in Scripture itself and the believer’s faith in Christ.

To Briefly Summarize

Confession and Absolution in Lutheranism or Protestant traditions is a gospel-centered practice in which sins are confessed and forgiveness received. In Lutheranism, they utilize a minister in the process; where Protestants outside of Lutheranism go directly to Christ.  

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

* Images generated by ChatGPT

 

Doctrinal Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist)

Doctrinal Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist)

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 5, 2026 (Donate)

The two primary ordinances recognized by most churches that came out of the Reformation are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Lutherans historically added an unofficial third category involving confession and absolution through the ministry of the church.

The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or by some the Eucharist, is one of the most important practices instituted by Jesus Christ for His church. It is both a memorial and proclamation of Christ’s sacrificial death and victorious salvation.

Communion elements; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

What Is The Lord’s Supper?

The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night before His crucifixion during the Passover meal with His disciples. Scripture records:

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” (Matthew 26:26–28, NKJV)

The Lord’s Supper is a church ordinance commanded by Christ in remembrance of Him. Paul explained:

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, NKJV)

Communion is therefore both backward-looking and forward-looking. Believers look back to Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and forward to His future return.

The term “communion” comes from the fellowship believers share with Christ and with one another. The word “eucharist” comes from a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving,” which means gratitude of thanks to God for salvation through Christ.

How Does The Lord’s Supper Relate To Passover?

The Lord’s Supper was instituted during the Jewish Passover meal. Passover commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt when God spared the Israelites through the blood of the lamb placed upon the doorposts.

“Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (Exodus 12:13, NKJV)

The Passover lamb pointed forward to Jesus Christ. Just as the lamb died so judgment would pass over Israel, Christ died so sinners could be spared from God’s wrath.

Jesus intentionally instituted the Lord’s Supper during Passover because He was fulfilling what Passover symbolized. The old covenant shadows were finding fulfillment in the true Lamb sent by God.

The bread and wine are both unique as well—elements of Passover. This is also why bread for communion is unleavened—without yeast—so it more like a wafer or cracker as opposed to fluffy bread. The wine is the completed action of yeast. One element is prior to yeast’s action and the other the final outcome after yeast’s action.

And interestingly, the Kingdom of God built on Christ, is likened unto the action of yeast/leaven (Matthew 13:33). But of course, one must beware the leaven of evil as well (e.g., Matthew 16:12, Mark 8:15). Hence, we must take communion with the right heart looking back to Christ and His work on the Cross with His broken body and shed blood and looking forward to the maturing of time when Christ returns.  

How Is Christ Our “Passover Lamb”?

The Apostle Paul directly connected Christ to Passover:

“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV)

Jesus fulfilled the symbolism of the Passover lamb in several ways. The Passover lamb was without blemish, and Christ was sinless. The lamb died in the place of the firstborn, and Christ died in the place of sinners. The blood of the lamb protected Israel from judgment, and the blood of Christ cleanses believers from sin and makes them pure and righteous before God.

Passover blood on the doorposts; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

John the Baptist declared:

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NKJV)

Christ’s crucifixion during Passover was not accidental. God sovereignly orchestrated history so that Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, would die at the very season commemorating redemption through sacrifice.

Christ was sufficient—as the one capable of taking the punishment we deserve for sin—being that He is God! Since the punishment for sin was death (Genesis 2:17) and substitutional sacrifice was instituted by God (Genesis 3:21 when God sacrificed animals to cover Adam and Eve’s sin. These give a foundational meaning as to why Christ went to the Cross. He was our ultimate substitutional sacrifice. The bread and the wine are representative of Christ’s body and blood. 

What Does The Bread Signify?

Jesus broke the bread and said:

“Take, eat; this is My body.” (Matthew 26:26, NKJV)

The bread signifies Christ’s body given in sacrifice for believers. His physical suffering and death upon the cross paid the penalty for sin. The broken bread symbolizes the sacrificial offering of Christ Himself.

The bread also reminds believers of spiritual nourishment. Just as bread sustains physical life, Christ sustains spiritual life. Jesus said:

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger.” (John 6:35, NKJV)

Most Protestants understand the bread symbolically as representing Christ’s body rather than literally becoming His flesh.

What Does The Wine Signify?

Jesus declared concerning the cup:

“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:28, NKJV)

The wine symbolizes the blood of Christ shed on the cross. Under the Old Testament sacrificial system, blood was required for atonement.

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22, NKJV)

Christ’s blood established the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah (vv. 31:31-33; 34:40). Through His death, salvation, redemption, reconciliation, and forgiveness of sins was fully accomplished for those who believe in His death, burial and resurrection.

The cup therefore represents salvation as well as redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the sealing of the New Covenant through Christ’s sacrifice.

What Is The Debate Over Wine Vs. Grape Juice?

One debate surrounding the Lord’s Supper concerns whether the cup should contain fermented wine or unfermented grape juice.

Historically, churches for many centuries primarily used wine because the Passover meal included fruit of the vine that was universally fermented in the ancient world. As a Spring festival, grapes hadn’t produced their harvest to make fresh juice, which turns quickly into wine naturally. Jesus Himself referred to it as “the fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29).

In the 1800s, many churches—especially in America—began using grape juice during the temperance movement (think abstinence and prohibition movements that came out of this) to avoid association with drunkenness and alcohol abuse which was occurring with many new refined “hard liquors” that were very high in alcohol.

Those favoring wine argue that it best reflects the historical Passover context and church history particularly in the New Testament where wine was used (since people were able to have too much and get drunk per 1 Corinthians 11:21).

Those favoring grape juice want to avoid temptation for recovering alcoholics in their local church and maintaining sobriety among its members. After Louis Pasteur invented pasteurization, it was finally possible in the 1800s to preserve grape juice and not let it ferment. Prior to Pasteur’s process, fresh, unfermented grape juice was largely non-existent in Spring.

Although there is always a minute traces of alcohol in natural fruit and juice. Grapes have natural yeast on the skins and it is used as an alcoholic barrier to keep bacteria from ruining the grape. The moment the grape is broken, fermentation begins.

Nevertheless, the emphasis in Scripture is on honoring Christ rightly rather than the exact amount of alcohol (trace amounts verses completed fermentation).

Why Did Luther And Zwingli Disagree Over The Bread And Wine?

One of the great debates of the Reformation concerned the meaning of Christ’s words, “This is My body.”

Marburg Colloquy in 1529, Public Domain

Martin Luther believed Christ was truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. Luther rejected the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, which taught the elements literally changed substance into Christ’s body and blood. However, Luther still believed Christ was genuinely present in the sacrament in a mysterious way.

Ulrich Zwingli argued the elements were symbolic memorials representing Christ’s body and blood. Zwingli emphasized Christ’s command: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19 NKJV). Since Christ’s physical body had ascended into heaven, Zwingli reasoned it could not physically exist in multiple places simultaneously within the bread.

Their disagreement became especially visible at the Marburg Colloquy in 1529. Although both reformers agreed on many doctrines, they could not fully reconcile their understanding of the Lord’s Supper.

Most Baptists and many Reformed churches today generally follow Zwingli’s symbolic understanding, while Lutherans maintain a real presence view.

How Often Should The Lord’s Supper Be Taken According To The Bible Alone?

The Bible does not command a precise schedule for communion observance. Some churches observe it weekly, others monthly, quarterly, or at special occasions.

Acts records that early believers regularly gathered to break bread:

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42, NKJV)

Paul wrote:

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, NKJV)

The phrase “as often as” suggests flexibility rather than a mandated frequency. Nevertheless, God also records in Acts that the disciples came together to break bread (taking communion) on the first day of the week.:

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. (Acts 20:7, NKJV)

Was it a weekly observance in the New Testament? Some take it this way, other don’t. Even so, the key is faithful observance taken on the first day of the week if one emulates the disciples—whether that is every first day of the week or not is debated among the churches—I encourage you to chat with family, pastor, and elders and to what your local church exercises and why biblically. Even so, churches throughout history have practiced different frequencies while seeking to honor Christ biblically.

Taking Communion With The Right Heart

Scripture warns believers not to approach the Lord’s Supper carelessly or hypocritically. In other words, beware false leaven in your own heart.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28, NKJV)

The Corinthians were rebuked because they treated communion selfishly and irreverently. Some were even disciplined by God because they partook in an unworthy manner, some were drinking so much communion wine, they were getting drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21).

Communion should therefore involve self-examination, repentance, gratitude, humility, and worship. Believers are not required to be sinless before taking communion, but they should honestly confess one’s sin to Christ and seek fellowship with Christ.

The Lord’s Supper is a solemn Church ordinance, and should be a joyful, reminder that salvation comes through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb who died and rose again.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images requested through ChatGPT