Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a significant practice for many Christians. But what does the Bible say about it? Communion is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and reflect on the new covenant He established. Let’s look at the biblical foundation for Communion, its meaning, and how believers can approach it with reverence and gratitude, reflecting on the deep spiritual significance of this sacred act.
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What Does The Bible Say About Holy Communion
Matthew 26:26-28
“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.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
This verse describes the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Holy Communion. He used bread to symbolize His body and wine to symbolize His blood, representing the sacrificial offering for the forgiveness of sins. Partaking in the Holy Communion allows believers to commemorate and participate spiritually in the redemptive work of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“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.”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the unity and spiritual significance of the Holy Communion. The cup represents sharing in the blood of Christ, and the bread signifies sharing in His body. Through partaking in this sacrament, believers are reminded of their unity as the body of Christ and their common participation in His sacrificial death and resurrection.
John 6:53-54
“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.’”
These words of Jesus may initially seem perplexing, but they symbolize the importance of partaking in the Holy Communion with true faith. By spiritually consuming the body and blood of Christ, believers receive the gift of eternal life and the assurance of being raised up on the last day.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“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.’ 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.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This passage presents Paul’s instruction regarding the Holy Communion, inspired by the teachings of Jesus. Believers are called to partake in the bread and cup in remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial death. By doing so, they proclaim the redemptive significance of His death and the anticipation of His second coming.
Luke 22:19-20
“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 the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
During the Last Supper, Jesus explained the symbolic representation of the bread and cup in the Holy Communion. The bread signifies His body, given for the sake of believers. The cup represents the new covenant, sealed by His blood, which was poured out for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a deep, intimate relationship with God.
Mark 14:22-24
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he 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.”
In this account of the Last Supper, Jesus symbolically offered His body and blood to His disciples through the bread and cup. The act of partaking in the Holy Communion allows believers to remember and affirm their faith in the redemptive work of Christ, as well as the covenant relationship established through His sacrifice.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
After Jesus’ ascension, the early church displayed a deep sense of community and devotion. The breaking of bread, recognized as the Holy Communion, was regarded as an essential aspect of their worship and fellowship. This verse encourages believers to continue in the practice of the Holy Communion, recognizing its significance in promoting unity and spiritual growth within the church.
John 6:55-56
“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
In this powerful statement, Jesus emphasizes the spiritual nourishment and intimate union that occurs when believers partake in the Holy Communion. As we consume the symbols of His body and blood, it signifies our ongoing relationship with Christ. Through the Holy Communion, we are reminded of our dependence on Him for sustenance and the abiding presence of His Spirit within us.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
While not explicitly about the Holy Communion, this verse emphasizes the importance of gathering together as a community of believers. Participating in the Holy Communion collectively strengthens our bonds with one another and encourages us to pursue love and good deeds. It serves as a reminder of the salvation and hope we share, fueling our desire to live for Christ and support one another in our walk of faith.
1 Corinthians 11:27-29
“So then, 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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”
Paul highlights the importance of approaching the Holy Communion with reverence and self-examination. It is crucial to recognize the significance of partaking in the body and blood of Christ, ensuring that our hearts are prepared and our motives are aligned with His teachings. By doing so, we actively acknowledge the sanctity of this sacrament and safeguard ourselves from partaking unworthily.
Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
In this account, the early Christians gathered on the first day of the week, which became known as the Lord’s Day, to celebrate the Holy Communion. Breaking bread together held a central place in their worship, as they listened to the teachings of Paul and engaged in prayer and fellowship. This verse highlights the importance of regular participation in the Holy Communion and the spiritual nourishment it brings.
Colossians 2:6-7
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Although not directly referencing the Holy Communion, this verse emphasizes the significance of remaining rooted and built up in Christ. The Holy Communion serves as a powerful reminder of our initial acceptance of Jesus as Lord and reminds us to continue living out our lives in Him. Through the sacred ritual, we are strengthened in our faith and filled with gratitude for His redemptive work in our lives.
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.”
Jesus declares Himself as the living bread, emphasizing the eternal life that comes from partaking in Him. The bread of the Holy Communion symbolizes His self-sacrifice, demonstrating His willingness to give His flesh for the salvation of the world. Through partaking in the Holy Communion, we partake in the eternal life offered through Christ, reaffirming our faith and hope in Him.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25
“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.’ 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.’”
In this verse, Paul recounts the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, emphasizing the need for believers to partake in the Holy Communion as a remembrance of His sacrificial death. As we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we symbolically remember and affirm our faith in the redemptive work of Christ and the establishment of the new covenant through His shed blood.
1 Corinthians 11:28
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”
Before partaking in the Holy Communion, Paul urges believers to engage in self-examination. This process of reflection allows us to assess our hearts, confess any sins, and realign our focus on Christ. By examining ourselves, we approach the Holy Communion with a spirit of humility, repentance, and gratefulness for the forgiveness and grace extended to us through Jesus’ sacrifice.
John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
In this profound statement, Jesus calls Himself the “bread of life.” Just as bread sustains our physical hunger, coming to Him and believing in Him satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. The Holy Communion serves as a tangible reminder of Jesus’ words, reinforcing our dependence on Him for spiritual nourishment and the fulfillment of our deepest longings.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
In this verse, Paul highlights the unity among believers in Christ. Just as a body is made up of many parts functioning together, the body of Christ consists of diverse individuals united through the Holy Spirit. The reference to “drinking” the one Spirit can be seen as an allusion to the Holy Communion, wherein believers partake in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Communion, we affirm our interconnectedness and oneness in Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This verse emphasizes the powerful proclamation of the Lord’s death that occurs through the Holy Communion. As believers partake in this sacred ritual, they bear witness to the redemptive work of Jesus and the hope of His second coming. The Holy Communion serves as a visible testimony of our faith and a reminder of the eternal significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Luke 24:30-31
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”
In this post-resurrection account, Jesus reveals Himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus through the breaking of bread. It was during the act of partaking in the bread that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. This passage highlights the intimate connection between the Holy Communion and encountering the presence of Christ, inviting us to approach it with expectant hearts and a desire for deeper spiritual revelation.
Acts 2:46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
The early believers not only gathered in larger assemblies but also met in smaller, intimate settings to break bread together. This passage reflects their devotion to the Lord and their sense of joy and sincerity as they partook in the Holy Communion. It serves as a reminder for us to approach the Holy Communion with a spirit of unity, joy, and heartfelt gratitude, both individually and in communion with fellow believers.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
Paul uses strong language to warn against participating in both the Holy Communion and any form of idolatrous or sinful practices. The Holy Communion represents our communion with Christ and the body of believers. By partaking in it, we declare our allegiance to Christ and our separation from anything that contradicts or opposes His teachings. This verse encourages believers to be discerning in their choices and to prioritize their commitment to Christ above all else.
John 6:48
“I am the bread of life.”
Jesus declares Himself to be the “bread of life,” signifying His role in providing sustenance and eternal satisfaction. Just as physical bread nourishes and sustains our bodies, Jesus, as the bread of life, satisfies the deepest longings of our souls. The Holy Communion solidifies our connection with this truth, reminding us to find our ultimate fulfillment in Him alone.
Matthew 26:29
“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.”
In this verse, Jesus expresses anticipation for the future heavenly banquet that believers will share with Him in His Father’s kingdom. The cup of the Holy Communion represents His blood and the new covenant. As we partake, we are reminded of the future fulfillment and celebration that await us in eternity, where we will drink with Jesus in perfect communion and fellowship.
John 6:58
“This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
Jesus contrasts the temporary sustenance provided by manna in the wilderness to the eternal life-giving nature of Himself as the bread of life. The Holy Communion serves as a tangible reminder of this truth, affirming that those who partake in Christ will receive eternal life. It is a symbol of our spiritual nourishment and the hope of everlasting life through our union with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17
“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”
This verse highlights the profound spiritual union that believers experience with the Lord. Through the Holy Communion, we affirm and deepen our connection with Christ. It is a moment of communion, not just with bread and wine but with the very presence of our Savior. The Holy Communion serves as a reminder of our oneness in spirit with the Lord and our continuous fellowship with Him.