“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Bible Verses About First Holy Communion
Matthew 26:26
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”
This verse illustrates the initiation of the Holy Communion by Jesus during the Last Supper. It highlights Jesus’s intent to establish a memorial meal where believers would commemorate His sacrifice. By breaking and sharing bread, Jesus symbolically delivers His body, which is a quintessential aspect of the communion experience—participants are invited to partake while remembering His love and ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
In this scene, Jesus emphasizes the significance of remembrance in communion. It serves as a continual reminder of His sacrifice. By participating in this act, believers acknowledge their faith and the covenant established through His body. This verse reassures us of the personal nature of the sacrifice Jesus made, highlighting that every time we partake of communion, we affirm our relationship with Him.
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the “living bread,” underscoring the eternal aspect of communion. This statement conveys that consuming the bread symbolizes an acceptance of His life-giving qualities. The assurance of eternal life stresses that participating in the communion is more than a ritual; it’s an acceptance of Christ’s sustenance for our souls.
1 Corinthians 10:16
“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?”
This verse reinforces the idea of communion as an active participation in the life and suffering of Jesus. By taking communion, we join together as a community united in faith. It reminds us that these elements (the bread and the cup) transcend mere physical symbols and connect us deeply to Christ’s sacrifice and to each other within the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:25
“In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
Jesus introduces the cup as a symbol of the new covenant, indicating a transformative relationship made possible through His blood. This establishes that communion is a declaration of faith in this new covenant. Each time we partake, we affirm our commitment and belief in the promises established through Christ’s sacrifice, representing renewal and hope for all believers.
Matthew 26:28
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Through His blood, Jesus signifies the incredible grace afforded to us. It emphasizes that the act of communion is rooted in forgiveness, and it serves as a reminder of our released burdens and new life through Christ’s sacrifice. Each cup shared is assurance of our redeemed status before God, resonating with reconciliation and fresh beginnings in our spiritual lives.
Mark 14:22-24
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them.”
This narrative confirms the unity of action during the Last Supper. By partaking together, the disciples embody the shared faith and community central to the Eucharistic experience. The mention of Jesus giving thanks shows the reverence with which the act of communion should be approached. It’s a time for collective remembrance and appreciation for the gift of salvation.
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
This verse illustrates the purpose behind Jesus’s suffering—healing and righteousness for believers. In taking communion, we reflect on this healing that Christ’s sacrifice provides. We align ourselves with this truth, recognizing that participating in communion invites us into a transformative fellowship with Him that not only remembers the past but also shapes our present lives toward righteousness.
Hebrews 9:22
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Here, the necessity of Jesus’s sacrifice is elaborated. Through His blood, the ultimate sacrifice for atonement is celebrated during communion. For us, this signifies that our participation is grounded in gratitude for the forgiveness offered. We acknowledge that, as we come to the table, we embrace the depth of Christ’s love and the cost of our salvation.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
The early church’s devotion to communion signifies its importance in fostering community and spiritual growth. The act of breaking bread connects believers in shared faith and encourages us to gather in unity. As we engage in Holy Communion, we continue the practice set forth by the early apostles by remembering Jesus together and reinforcing our communal bonds.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse is a powerful reminder of unconditional love. During communion, we are reminded of Christ’s sacrifice occurring when we were undeserving. The act of communion becomes not just a mere ritual but a declaration of our belief in what He did for us, drawing us to deeper appreciation and communal connection in honor of His immeasurable love.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This is perhaps one of the most famous verses, encapsulating God’s motivation behind Jesus’s sacrifice. Communion serves as a celebration of this love and the gift of eternal life. Each observance is a step toward recognizing our part in God’s grand narrative of redemption while being partakers of His grace and promise of life everlasting.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This declaration of faith during communion underscores our role as witnesses to Christ’s sacrifice. We not only remember His death but also affirm our hope in His return. Each act of communion becomes an outcry of our faith, contributing to the legacy of testimony that extends through time, linking us believers in a shared anticipation and promise.
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Communion invites us to reflect on our spiritual priorities. Taking the elements focuses our hearts on Christ’s resurrection and demands a realignment of our thoughts and lives toward heavenly values. As we participate in communion, we declare to live our lives grounded in the truth of our identity as raised with Christ, looking forward to things above while influencing our earthly interactions.
Philippians 1:5
“Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
This verse highlights the importance of partnership in the faith community. During communion, we actively engage in the tradition that fosters unity and collective witness. We celebrate not just our personal relationship with Christ but also our shared commitment to the Gospel, reminding us that we are not alone in this journey; we walk together toward the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
In communion, the equity brought by Jesus’s sacrifice is displayed. The elements we partake in remind us that in Christ, our differences vanish, and we unite as a single body. Each participation in communion binds us together in faith, making it a significant moment of inclusivity and shared grace that transcends worldly divisions.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The act of communion is rooted in grace, emphasizing that our right standing before God is not from our efforts but a gift freely given by Him. Through taking communion, we acknowledge this grace, countering any notions of self-sufficiency. We remember that the body and blood symbolically represented in communion is an eternal reminder that salvation rests solely on God’s gift.
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
This verse captures the essence of communion—intimacy with Christ. This promise from Jesus illustrates His desire to have fellowship with us. During communion, we invite Him in, sharing in a sacred moment where we acknowledge His presence and express heartfelt gratitude for the fellowship He offers. It serves as a reminder that Christ desires continuous communion with each believer.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
This verse helps us maintain humility when approaching the communion table. Remembering that every one of us brings our shortcomings and need for grace invites a spirit of unity. As we gather, we acknowledge that none of us is greater or lesser; rather, we all deservedly share in Christ’s love and sacrifice equally, reinforcing the message of hope and acceptance in communion.
What Does The Bible Say About First Holy Communion
In examining what the Bible says about First Holy Communion, we recognize the practice as deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus during the Last Supper. This moment was not just a historic event but a specific instruction to all His followers. The bread and the wine signify His body and blood, promising forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. These acts of sharing are meant to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice and bring us together as a community of faith.
Taking communion goes beyond tradition; it shapes our identities as believers. We gather to proclaim our faith, united in memory of His love, redemption, and the hope of His return. Through the communion experience, not only do we reflect on our relationship with Christ, but we also affirm our shared beliefs and comfort in one another. It’s an intimate expression of faith that calls us to remember and celebrate His promise to us.
As we continually engage in the act of communion, let’s embrace the opportunity to explore more faith-based topics. Learn about first heaven or discover the significance of first fruit offerings. There are countless treasures in exploring scriptures that lead us deeper into understanding God’s plan for us.