Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is one of the most significant practices in Christianity. The Bible provides clear instructions regarding communion, and it remains a vital aspect of Christian worship. But what does the Bible say about communion? Was the instruction given by Jesus relevant only to the early church, or is it still applicable today? And more importantly, is there any spiritual advantage to participating in communion?
Biblical Basis for Communion
The practice of communion is directly rooted in the words and actions of Jesus Christ during His final meal with His disciples. The Bible recounts this event in several places, notably in the Gospels and in the writings of Paul:
• 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.’”
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: The apostle Paul, recounting Jesus’ words, instructs the early church to continue this practice: “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.’”
From these passages, it’s evident that Jesus not only instituted the practice of communion but also commanded that it be continued in His memory. The instruction is not time-bound or restricted to a particular group of people but is intended for all who believe in Him.
Communion’s Relevance to the Church Today
Many Christians ask whether this instruction remains relevant for modern believers. The simple answer is: yes. Jesus’ command to “do this in remembrance of Me” was not a suggestion but a direct mandate for His followers to keep this practice alive.
The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, reinforces this command as a practice for the church, even after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Communion serves as a means of remembering Christ’s sacrifice, reaffirming the new covenant made in His blood, and celebrating the promise of eternal life through Him. This act of remembrance was not limited to the early church but is intended for all generations of believers until Jesus returns. Paul makes this clear when he states: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
The Spiritual Benefits of Communion
Beyond the obedience to Christ’s command, communion holds profound spiritual significance. Here are some of the key benefits of participating in this sacred practice:
1. A Reminder of Christ’s Sacrifice: Every time believers partake in communion, they are reminded of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. It is an opportunity to reflect on the immense love God has for humanity and the price Jesus paid for the forgiveness of sins. This act brings believers back to the heart of the gospel—the message of salvation.
2. Renewed Covenant with God: Communion signifies the new covenant between God and His people, sealed by Jesus’ blood. It is a reminder that believers are in a relationship with God, not based on their works or merit, but on His grace and the finished work of Christ.
3. Spiritual Nourishment: Just as physical food sustains the body, communion nourishes the spirit. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Through communion, believers are spiritually strengthened and renewed in their faith.
4. Unity with the Body of Christ: Communion is not just an individual experience but a communal one. When Christians partake in the Lord’s Supper together, they express their unity as the body of Christ. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 10:17: “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” The act of communion fosters a sense of community and belonging within the church.
5. A Foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet: Communion is a reminder that one day believers will join Christ at the heavenly banquet. Jesus Himself spoke of this when He said, “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” (Matthew 26:29). It is a forward-looking practice, anticipating the day when Christ will return and we will feast with Him in eternity.
Conclusion: A Timeless Practice
The Bible clearly affirms that communion is a practice established by Jesus Himself and meant to be continued by His followers. Its relevance for the church and Christians today remains undiminished. Communion is a powerful way for believers to remember Christ’s sacrifice, to renew their covenant with God, and to experience spiritual nourishment and unity with the broader body of Christ.
Moreover, participating in communion offers profound spiritual benefits, not least of which is the opportunity to reflect on the salvation we have through Jesus Christ and to anticipate His glorious return. As believers, we are encouraged to approach communion with reverence and gratitude, understanding that it is not merely a ritual, but a divine invitation to encounter God’s grace and love.
So, yes—communion is relevant, and its spiritual advantages are vast. As the early church continued in this practice, so should we, carrying out the command of Jesus to “do this in remembrance of Me.”
References:
1. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
2. The Passion Translation (TPT)
3. “The Lord’s Supper” by R.C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries
4. “Communion and Its Spiritual Benefits” by John Piper, Desiring God
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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