How does 1 Corinthians 11:26 encourage regular participation in Communion?

The Verse at the Center

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

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Key Words that Nudge Us Toward Regularity

• “For as often as” – Paul assumes believers will keep coming back to the Table.

• “Proclaim” – present-tense action, ongoing, not once-and-done.

• “Until He comes” – Communion stretches across the entire church age; the practice doesn’t end until Jesus returns.

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Why “As Often” Matters

• Habitual remembrance guards us from spiritual drift (Hebrews 2:1).

• Frequent proclamation keeps the gospel central, not peripheral (Galatians 6:14).

• Repeated participation unites believers around a shared confession (Ephesians 4:4-6).

• Ongoing observance sustains hope by pointing us to Christ’s promised return (John 14:3).

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Echoes in the Rest of Scripture

• Luke 22:19 – “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Command language, not suggestion.

• Acts 2:42 – Early believers “devoted themselves” to “the breaking of bread,” indicating regular practice.

• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – Sharing the cup and loaf repeatedly underscores our one-body unity.

• Jude 21 – “Keep yourselves in the love of God,” a call reinforced every time we revisit the cross in Communion.

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Practical Rhythms for Today

• Set a consistent schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—so the Table is anticipated, never neglected.

• Prepare hearts beforehand (1 Corinthians 11:28): examine, confess, and come grateful.

• Allow the elements to preach: bread points to the body given; the cup proclaims the blood shed (Matthew 26:27-28).

• Conclude by looking forward—“until He comes”—letting every observance stir expectancy for Christ’s return (Revelation 22:20).

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The Bottom Line

1 Corinthians 11:26 ties Communion to an ongoing, church-wide proclamation that endures “until He comes.” Each time believers gather at the Table, they obey Christ, preach His cross, foster unity, and renew hope—compelling reasons to come often and come eagerly.