Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred practice for Christians. The Bible highlights its importance in remembering Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 11 offer guidance on how to partake in communion with a heart of reverence, reflection, and gratitude for God’s grace.
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What Does The Bible Say About taking 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 moment when Jesus instituted the practice of taking communion, also known as the Last Supper. The bread and the cup symbolize the body and blood of Jesus, respectively. Taking communion is a way for believers to remember and participate in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.
Partaking in communion not only commemorates the broken body and shed blood of Jesus but also invites believers into a deeper spiritual connection with Him. It serves as a tangible reminder of the love and grace of God, and a time for reflection, repentance, and gratitude.
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.”
Paul reaffirms the significance of communion and encourages believers to observe it as a regular practice. By partaking in the bread and the cup, believers acknowledge their faith in Jesus and remember His sacrificial love. It is a powerful way to proclaim the Gospel and express unity with fellow believers as they await the return of Christ.
Communion is a deeply personal and communal experience that invites believers to reflect on their relationship with Christ, examine their hearts, and seek renewal and transformation through His grace. It is a moment of introspection, surrender, and gratitude, reminding us of the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
John 6:53-58
“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. 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. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.””
In this profound teaching, Jesus speaks metaphorically about partaking in His body and blood. He emphasizes the essential and transformative nature of spiritual nourishment through a personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Through communion, believers enter into a deep union with Christ, spiritually feeding on Him and receiving the eternal life He offers. This passage highlights the centrality of Jesus as the spiritual sustenance for believers, who find their life, strength, and endurance in Him alone.
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 instructs His disciples to remember His sacrifice whenever they partake in communion. The act of taking the bread and the cup is not only a commemoration but also an act of participation in the redemptive work of Jesus.
By partaking in communion, believers constantly remind themselves of the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. It renews their commitment to follow Him, encourages them to live a life of self-sacrifice, and strengthens their faith in the power of His blood to cleanse and reconcile them to God.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
In the early Christian community, taking communion was one of the integral practices of the believers. It fostered fellowship and unity among the believers and served as a means of spiritual nourishment and connection with God.
Similar to the early believers, Christians today should cherish the opportunity to partake in communion and create space for the breaking of bread, prayer, and communion within their own faith communities. It is a beautiful way to strengthen bonds, encourage one another, and deepen their spiritual walk with God.
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.”
This passage emphasizes the communal aspect of taking communion and the spiritual unity it represents among believers. By partaking in the bread and the cup, they are not only participating in the body and blood of Christ but also affirming their membership in the greater body of Christ, the Church.
Communion serves as a reminder that believers are part of a larger spiritual family, bound together by their shared faith in Jesus Christ. It encourages them to prioritize unity, love, and reconciliation with one another, and to recognize the importance of their collective identity as the body of Christ.
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 institutes the sacrament of communion, inviting His disciples to partake in the symbolism of His body and blood. This act signifies the establishment of the new covenant, sealed by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
By taking the bread and the cup, believers affirm their faith in the redemptive power of Jesus’ blood and the significance of His broken body. It represents their acceptance of the covenant of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life through His sacrifice.
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 verse, we see the early Christians gathering on the first day of the week, Sunday, to break bread and fellowship together. The breaking of bread not only served as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice but also provided an opportunity for teaching, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
For believers today, regular communion can serve as a catalyst for worship, edification, and the sharing of God’s Word. It is a time to come together as a faith community, strengthen one another, and receive the spiritual nourishment and teaching needed to live as disciples of Christ.
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.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize gathering together in fellowship and worship, just as the early Christians did. Meeting regularly for communion and other spiritual practices provides an opportunity to spur one another on in love, good deeds, and encouragement.
Communion reminds believers of their shared faith and the call to reflect the love and sacrifice of Christ in their actions towards one another and the world. It is in the fellowship of believers that they find support, accountability, and the strength to persevere in their 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 advises believers to approach communion with reverence and examine themselves before partaking in the sacrament. It is important to have a sincere and repentant heart, recognizing the significance of the body and blood of Christ.
Taking communion in an unworthy manner, without understanding its spiritual significance, can lead to spiritual harm. It is a moment for self-reflection, confession of sins, and a deep appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus. As believers engage in introspection and self-examination, they are reminded of the grace and forgiveness available through Christ’s atonement on the cross.
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.”
Jesus proclaims Himself as the bread of life, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. Just as physical bread sustains the body, Jesus provides spiritual sustenance to those who come to Him in faith and believe in His message.
Communion serves as a tangible reminder of this truth, as believers partake in the symbolism of the bread and the cup. By nourishing themselves spiritually through communion, believers deepen their understanding that only Jesus can truly satisfy the deepest longings of their souls.
Luke 24:30-32
“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. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?””
This passage recounts the encounter of two disciples with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. As they shared a meal with Him, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. Reflecting on this experience, they realized that their hearts were burning as Jesus explained the Scriptures to them.
Just like these disciples, taking communion can serve as a transformative and enlightening experience. As believers engage in the act of communion, their hearts can be stirred with a deeper understanding and revelation of Jesus’ presence and the truths of the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Paul explains that each time believers partake in communion, they proclaim the Lord’s death until His return. Communion is a powerful declaration of the Gospel and a constant reminder of the hope believers have in the future resurrection and the second coming of Jesus.
By participating in this sacred act, believers testify to the redemptive work of Christ and proclaim that His death was not in vain. Communion is a testament to the victory over sin and death that Jesus accomplished, and it fuels the anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promises in the future.
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 warns believers against participating in communion while also engaging in activities and practices associated with idolatry or demonic influence. There is a clear distinction between partaking in the table of the Lord and engaging with worldly or sinful practices.
Communion is a sacred act that represents a covenantal relationship with God. It demands a sincere commitment to follow Christ and a turning away from anything that is contrary to His teachings. It is a call to wholehearted devotion to the Lord and a rejection of any form of spiritual compromise.
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.”
Jesus alludes to a future time when He will drink the fruit of the vine anew with His disciples in His Father’s kingdom. This statement points to the ultimate fulfillment of communion in the eternal kingdom of God.
As believers partake in communion in the present, it serves as a foretaste and a reminder of the future communion believers will share with Jesus in His heavenly kingdom. It stirs hope and anticipation for the glorious future that awaits all who trust in Him.
John 15:4-5
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and branches to illustrate the importance of remaining connected to Him. Just as branches derive their life, vitality, and ability to bear fruit from the vine, believers find their spiritual sustenance and fruitfulness by remaining in Him through faith.
Partaking in communion is a tangible act of remaining in Christ, a reminder of the spiritual nourishment and sustenance believers receive as they abide in Him. It emphasizes the dependence on Jesus for spiritual growth, fruitfulness, and the ability to live a life that pleases God.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God, wholly dedicated and set apart for His purposes. This act of surrender and worship involves a transformation of the mind, a breaking away from the values and patterns of the world.
In the context of communion, believers partake in this act of surrender, as they remember the sacrificial love of Jesus displayed on the cross. Communion becomes a catalyst for personal transformation and renewal, as believers engage in true and proper worship, aligning their lives with God’s will.
Luke 22:17-18
“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.””
Jesus points to the future fulfillment of the kingdom of God, indicating that He will one day share in the divine feast with His disciples. This statement underscores the eschatological significance of communion, as believers partake in the elements with a longing for the consummation of God’s kingdom.
Communion serves as a reminder that believers are pilgrims in this world, awaiting the day when Jesus will return and establish His eternal reign. It kindles a sense of hope, perseverance, and anticipation for the glorious future that lies ahead for all who are in Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-4
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
God’s divine power has provided believers with everything they need for a godly life. Through a personal relationship with Jesus, believers can partake in the divine nature, experiencing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Communion reminds believers of the precious promises of God and the spiritual blessings that come from being united with Christ. It reinforces the truth that they have been set free from the corruption of the world and have been given the opportunity to participate in the divine nature through faith in Jesus.
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 that whoever partakes in Him will find eternal life. He compares His flesh to the bread of life, highlighting the sacrificial nature of His coming death on the cross for the redemption of humanity.
Through communion, believers are invited to spiritually feed on Jesus, the living bread, and experience the abundant and eternal life He offers. As they partake in the body and the blood of Christ, they are reminded of the great sacrifice He made for their salvation and the eternal hope they have in Him.
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
This verse encourages believers to personally experience and encounter the goodness of the Lord. Communion serves as a tangible invitation to taste and see that God is good, reminding believers of His faithfulness, love, and grace.
Just as physical food can satisfy and nourish the body, communion offers a spiritual satisfaction and nourishment for the soul. Through communion, believers find refuge and satisfaction in God, experiencing His presence and being refreshed by His goodness.
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.””
Jesus took upon Himself the sins of humanity and bore them in His body on the cross. Through His sacrificial death, believers are redeemed and receive the forgiveness of sins, leading to a transformation from a life characterized by sin to a life characterized by righteousness.
Communion serves as a powerful reminder of the healing and restoration that believers have received through Christ’s wounds. As they partake in the bread and the cup, they remember the price paid for their spiritual healing and are motivated to live lives that reflect the righteousness and grace of God.
1 Corinthians 11:30
“That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.”
Paul addresses the Corinthians, highlighting the serious consequences of partaking in communion without proper reverence and discernment. He warns that some in their midst have experienced physical weakness, illness, and even death due to their lack of reverence in approaching this sacred act.
While this verse does not imply that every illness or weakness among believers is a direct result of improper participation in communion, it serves as a cautionary reminder to approach this sacrament with a sincere and repentant heart, recognizing its significance and purpose.