The Bible teaches that communion, also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, is a sacred practice instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper. Jesus took bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood, and instructed His followers to partake in communion as a remembrance of His sacrificial death for the forgiveness of sins. Believers are encouraged to observe communion with self- examination, repentance, and gratitude, recognizing it as a proclamation of Jesus' death and a sign of unity among Christians. Communion also serves as spiritual nourishment and a reminder of the new covenant between God and humanity through Jesus' sacrifice.
Key Biblical Passages about Communion
- Luke 22:19-20: Jesus broke bread, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me," and shared the cup as the new covenant in His blood.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul recounts Jesus' institution of communion, emphasizing the proclamation of the Lord's death until He comes again.
- Matthew 26:26-28 and Mark 14:22-24: Jesus describes the bread as His body and the cup as His blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
- John 6:53-56: Jesus speaks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood as a way to have eternal life.
Spiritual Significance
- Communion is an act of remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and a proclamation of faith in His redemptive work.
- It symbolizes the unity of believers as one body in Christ.
- It calls for self-examination and repentance before participation to honor Christ's sacrifice properly.
- Some Christian traditions see it as spiritual nourishment, imparting grace to believers through the sacrament.
In summary, the Bible presents communion as a fundamental Christian practice instituted by Jesus Himself to remember His sacrifice, proclaim His death until His return, and foster spiritual unity and reflection among believers.