What Does the Bible Say About Communion?
What Does the Bible Say About Communion?
Communion is one of the most sacred and important practices in the Christian faith. It's a moment where believers come together to remember Jesus, celebrate His sacrifice, and reflect on what He has done for us. But what does the Bible actually say about it? To understand communion, we need to look at the Scriptures and consider its origins, its meaning, and its purpose.
The Institution of Communion
The story of communion begins with Jesus. During the Last Supper, on the night before He was crucified, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them to His disciples. He broke the bread and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." Then, He took the cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19-20). These words are the foundation of the Christian practice of communion. Jesus, in His final hours, made this act a way for His followers to remember Him and what He would soon accomplish on the cross.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul recounts this moment to the Corinthian church. He emphasizes that communion is a time of remembering Jesus’ body and blood, broken and shed for our salvation. "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." In this passage, communion is connected to the death of Christ, the heart of the Gospel.
The Meaning of Communion
At its core, communion is about remembrance. Jesus tells us to "do this in remembrance of me." But what are we remembering? We’re remembering His body broken and His blood shed for our forgiveness and eternal life. It's not just a ritual or a tradition; it's a powerful reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Communion also symbolizes unity. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul writes, "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf." The bread represents Christ’s body, and the cup represents His blood, but they also point to the unity of believers. When we partake, we affirm our connection with Christ and with each other.
In John 6, Jesus speaks about the importance of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. While He’s not speaking literally, He’s drawing attention to the necessity of identifying with Him. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them” (John 6:56). Communion is a reminder that we are called to abide in Christ, to remain in Him and allow Him to remain in us.
The Purpose of Communion
Communion serves several purposes. It’s a means of grace. It strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Christ. In Luke 24, after Jesus’ resurrection, He met two of His followers on the road to Emmaus. When they recognized Him, they remembered how their hearts burned within them as He opened the Scriptures to them. Communion does something similar. It helps us to remember the Gospel and experience the presence of Christ in a deeper way.
It also serves as a proclamation. Every time we take communion, we are proclaiming Christ’s death. We are declaring the Gospel. We are saying that His death was necessary, and it was for us. Communion is an outward expression of an inward reality – our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Finally, communion is a time of reflection and examination. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, Paul warns against partaking in communion unworthily. He says, "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." This is a reminder that communion is not just a ritual to be taken lightly. It's a sacred moment to reflect on our relationship with God, to confess our sins, and to ensure that we are in right standing with Him.
Communion and the New Covenant
Jesus, in Luke 22, speaks of the cup as the "new covenant in my blood." The concept of a covenant is deeply rooted in the Bible. In the Old Testament, God made covenants with His people, promising blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. But these covenants were imperfect. They were temporary. The new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus’ death, is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Hebrews 9:15 says, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.”
Through His sacrifice, Jesus brought us into a new relationship with God. We are no longer bound by the old covenant of the law; we are now partakers in a new covenant of grace, sealed by His blood. Communion is a reminder of that new covenant. When we drink the cup, we remember the price Jesus paid to bring us into that relationship.
The Frequency of Communion
How often should we take communion? The Bible doesn't give a specific command on how often to partake, but it is clear that it should be done regularly. Jesus tells His disciples, "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Paul writes, "Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The early church took communion frequently (Acts 2:42), and it was a central part of their worship and fellowship.
The frequency can vary depending on church tradition. Some churches take communion every week, while others may do so once a month or even less. What matters most is that it is done with reverence, with understanding, and in a way that honors Christ and His sacrifice.
Who Should Take Communion?
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul makes it clear that communion is for believers in Christ. He says, "Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:27). This doesn't mean that we must be perfect before partaking, but it does mean that we should be sincere in our faith and have a genuine relationship with Jesus. If you're unsure whether you're ready, it’s always a good idea to spend time in prayer, confessing any sin and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Communion and the Future
Finally, communion points us to the future. In Matthew 26:29, Jesus tells His disciples, "I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." Communion is a foretaste of the great banquet that awaits believers in the coming Kingdom. Every time we take communion, we are looking forward to that future moment when we will sit at the table with Jesus, enjoying perfect fellowship with Him and with each other.
Conclusion
Communion is much more than just a ritual; it’s a vital part of the Christian faith. It’s a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, to experience fellowship with Him and with the body of believers, and to proclaim the Gospel. It’s a moment to reflect on our relationship with God and to anticipate the future hope we have in Christ. The Bible paints a beautiful picture of communion, and as we partake, we join in that story, taking part in something much bigger than ourselves.