“Which kind of bread should we use?”
It is sometimes asked whether it is acceptable to use leavened bread. After all, Jesus served Passover bread which was unleavened. Moreover, it is argued, leaven is sometimes a symbol of pride (1 Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9). While people occasionally take a hard stance, the consensus among Reformed theologians and pastors is that it is ultimately indifferent. John Calvin states, “Whether the bread is leavened or unleavened, the wine red or white—it makes no difference. These things are indifferent, and left at the church’s discretion.” Similarly, Herman Bavink writes in his Reformed Dogmatics,
It is immaterial whether the bread is made of wheat, rye or barley and whether the wine is red or white; Whether the bread is leavened or unleavened; and whether the wine is unmixed, or mixed with water. In none of these points has Christ specifically laid down or prescribed anything. The Reformed did not even hesitate to say that in the event bread or wine were definitely lacking, another food and drink, say rice or nutritious food, could be used as sign in the Lord’s Supper. This is not to say, however, that any arbitrary departure from the institution of Christ is permissible.
The primary elements are a plain, staple grain, since this signifies the basis of daily human nourishment, and a drink produced from the vine, since it represents the celebration and satisfaction made possible by Christ’s outpoured blood. I might go further and say that it is more appropriate to use red than white wine, simply to reference blood. Likewise, unleavened bread is preferable insofar as it highlights the humility of Christ and our redemptive history. Nevertheless, these are peccadilloes that should not prevent anyone from communing with a good conscience.
For a more detailed summary of the historical and theological development of this perspective, see the article, “Does Scripture Demand the Use of Unleavened Bread in the Supper,” by John S. Hammett.
My favorite book on the the sacrament of communion is The Mystery of the Lord’s Supper: Sermons by Robert Bruce. Let me know if you’d like to borrow my copy.
