Communion
What is it?
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.
When do we have Communion?
Unlike baptism, which is a one-time event, Communion is a practice that is meant to be observed over and over throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship, when we corporately come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us.
Why do we practice Communion?
In observing Communion, we are remembering Christ and all that He has done for us in His life, death, and resurrection. When observing Communion, we take time to examine ourselves. In observing Communion, we are proclaiming His death until He comes. It is, then, a statement of faith. When we observe Communion, we show our participation in the body of Christ. His life becomes our life and we become members of each other.
Who should take Communion?
Communion is for anyone who has entered into a relationship with Christ by accepting Him as their personal Savior. If you do not know Christ, you can simply pass on taking Communion or, better yet, choose Christ, repent of your sin, and make a statement of your faith.
A few Scripture references: Matthew 26:26-27, Luke 22:14-20, Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:24 – 28