The Greek word anamnesis, which means “memory” or “remembrance”, occurs four times in the New Testament. It is impressive to take a look at these four passages and put them in context with each other.

The word anamnesis is used in Hebrews 10, where it refers to the Israelite service to God: “For since the law has a shadow of things to come, not of the image of things themselves, it can never make perfect those who draw near with the same sacrifices that they offer continually every year. For otherwise would not their offerings have ceased, because those who worship God, once purified, would no longer have a conscience of sin? But in those sacrifices there is an annual remembrance (anamnesis) of sins, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (vv. 1-4).

The constant repetition of sacrifices under the law made it clear that the “sin” file was not yet closed. The sacrifices that were offered every year on the great day of atonement (Lev 16) reminded the whole people of Israel that sins could not be atoned for in an absolute sense through the ritual sacrifices. The animal sacrifices in the Old Covenant reminded us that sins had not been taken away and the consciences of those approaching had not been cleansed.

The word anamnesis is also used three times in connection with the so-called Lord’s Supper, where it is translated as “remembrance”: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19). – “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was delivered took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; this do, as often as ye drink, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:23-25).

When we Christians are gathered together to break bread, we remember our Lord, who brought a perfect sacrifice through which all our sins have been taken away. His blood flowed for us “for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt 26:28). The forgiveness of sins is a blessing of the New Covenant that will one day be made with Israel. We already have this blessing today and enjoy it.

What a sharp contrast we see between Israel and the assembly as far as “remembrance” is concerned! The Israelites were (also) reminded of their sins during their worship service, while we remember the One who atoned for our sins completely and forever when we break bread. How grateful we can be that we know the Lord Jesus and his accomplished work of redemption!