John 4:12

One Container?

Intro: Some believe…1. Only one literal cup is authorized.2. If the cup is dropped, all must start over.3. There are three elements in the L.S., the bread, the fruit of the vine AND the cup!What Does The Bible Say?

One Container?I. Figurative Language

A. Figurative language used all the time: “Get a bite to eat”, “ fly off the handle”, etc.B. Bible uses figures also: Compares men to sheep, goats, foxes, wolves, dogs, swine, vipers, trees, vines, flowers, etc.C. Metonymy “the use of one word for

another that it suggests…. The container for the thing contained…” (Webster)Ex. Jacob drank from the well (John 4:12).Ex. Noah saved his house (Heb. 11:7).

One Container?II. “The Cup”Matt. 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread,

and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.

29 But I say unto you, I shall not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

One Container?II. “The Cup”Mark 14:23-25 And he took a cup… they all drank of

it. …This is my blood of the covenant… I shall no more drink of the fruit of the vine…”

Luke 22:17 And he received a cup… I shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine…”

1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ?

1 Cor. 11:25 This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

THUS, CUP REFERS TO THE CONTENTS!

One Container?III. “The Cup” Was Divided!Luke 22:17 And he received a cup, and when he had

given thanks, he said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 for I say unto you, I shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

Did the cut the cup into pieces?Did they drink the pieces of solid cup?

Does the solid cup represent His blood?Do we need to start doing this?

OR Does “the cup” refer to the contents?

One Container?IV. Arguments “Defending” One

ContainerA. If you eliminate the container you

eliminate the contents?1. Noah’s house was saved (Heb. 11:7).

Was Noah’s literal house present in the ark?2. “The house of God” stands for the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15). No literal house involved.3. Paul at Ephesus wrote to Corinth of:

“the cup of blessing which we bless” (1 Cor. 10:16).

One Container?IV. Arguments “Defending” One

ContainerB. If drop the cup, must ALL start over?

1. Confuses WHEN partake with HOW.a) When? In assembly (Acts 20:7).b) How? Self examination (1 Cor.

11:28).2. Can it be rightly said that no one has partaken until ALL partake?3. Will we say no one has given until all give (1 Cor. 16:1-3)?

One Container?IV. Arguments “Defending” One

ContainerC. “Drink ye of it”. Greek “ek”

necessitates touching the lips to it?1. Jacob drank OF the well, his family and cattle too (John 4:12).2. Vine dresser eats OF the fruit (1 Cor. 9:7).3. Shepherd drinks milk OF the flock

(1 Cor. 9:7).

One Container?IV. Arguments “Defending” One

ContainerD. You can suggest the contents of only as

many containers as you name?1. If a woman rears six children “on the bottle”; does this mean she only ever used one bottle?2. Paul mentioned only one cup between Ephesus and Corinth (1 Cor. 10:16).3. Thus we have “one cup” even if we have multiple containers!

One Container?V. “One Cup” Lacks AuthorityA. There must be a command, example or

necessary inference…

“The Cup”

Is The Contents

“The Cup”

Is The Container

Mt. 26:27Mk. 14:23-25Lk. 22:17-20

1Cor. 11:25-281 Cor. 10:16

?SCRIPTURE?

One Container?

B. Negative Syllogisms1. “The cup” is the fruit of the vine

(Mt.26:27-29). 2. The fruit of the vine is NOT the

container.3. Therefore, the container is NOT “the

cup”.

1. “The cup” is the blood of Christ (Mt. 26:28).

2. The container does NOT represent the blood.

3. Hence, the container is NOT “the cup”.

V. “One Cup” Lacks Authority

One Container?

C. Affirmative Syllogisms1. “The cup” is the blood of Christ (Mt.

26:28).2. The blood is the fruit of the vine (v.

29).3. Thus, “the cup” is the fruit of the

vine.

1. You drink “the cup” (1 Cor. 11:26).2. You drink the contents, NOT the

container.3. Thus, “the cup” refers to the

contents, NOT the container.

V. “One Cup” Lacks Authority

One Container?

1. Figurative language used.2. The cup applied to the contents in

the text.3. The cup was divided among the

disciples.4. No valid arguments to support the

case.5. Thus, no Biblical authority for binding

a literal “one cup”.

CONCLUSION:

The Bible IS understandable.We CAN be united upon revealed Truth.

It requires that we be humble!Will you submit to God’s word today?