What is Communion and why do Christians practice it?

Definition and Terminology

Communion, often called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is a practice in which believers partake of bread and the fruit of the vine (commonly wine or grape juice) in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The term “Communion” emphasizes fellowship—both with God and with fellow Christians—as believers collectively acknowledge the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.

Biblical Foundations

One of the clearest scriptural references appears in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, a text widely affirmed, even by critical scholars, to be an authentic Pauline epistle. Paul writes:

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus 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, as often as 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.” (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

Jesus Himself first instituted this observance during the Passover meal with His disciples, as recorded in the Gospels:

“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 supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.’” (Luke 22:19–20)

These passages form the theological and practical basis for Communion being regularly observed among Christian congregations.

Historical Origins and Early Church Observance

Scripture indicates that the earliest believers continued steadfastly in “the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Early Christian writings such as the Didache (dated as early as the late first to early second century) confirm that followers of Christ placed high importance on regularly sharing in the Lord’s Supper. Archaeological findings in ancient house churches and catacombs also reflect simple gatherings of Christ’s followers to remember His death and resurrection through bread and fruit of the vine.

Additionally, manuscript evidence for 1 Corinthians, among the earliest witnesses of the New Testament, is remarkably consistent in preserving Paul’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper. This reliability underscores that Communion was understood as an essential ordinance from the inception of organized Christian worship.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

1. A Memorial of Christ’s Sacrifice: By partaking of the bread, Christians recall Christ’s body, which was willingly given up on the cross. By partaking of the cup, they remember Christ’s blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. This ongoing memorial highlights the atoning work of Jesus and reminds believers of His command, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

2. Proclaiming the Lord’s Death Until He Comes: The act of taking Communion is a public testimony. As 1 Corinthians 11:26 states, it proclaims the sacrifice of Christ “until He comes,” emphasizing both the historical reality of Christ’s crucifixion and the future hope of His second coming.

3. Participation in the New Covenant: The cup symbolizes the “new covenant” (Luke 22:20)—the covenant inaugurated through the atoning blood of Christ. This means that all who drink are acknowledging their participation in this covenant of grace, which replaces the old system of repeated animal sacrifices.

4. Unity and Fellowship: Communion not only connects individuals with God but also forges fellowship among believers. Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 10:17 that “we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” When Christians share in Communion, they recognize a spiritual union that transcends personal differences through the sacrifice of Christ.

5. Spiritual Nourishment: While not a physical act of eating Christ’s literal flesh and blood, Communion offers spiritual enrichment as believers reflect on the significance of Jesus’ self-giving love and receive encouragement through remembering His covenant promises.

Self-Examination and Worthy Participation

Paul provides caution to believers about approaching the Lord’s Supper in a wrong spirit: “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. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27–28)

Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts, confess sins, and approach the table with reverence and faith. This focus on self-examination carries a transformative effect, urging believers to walk in repentance, humility, and gratitude for what Christ accomplished.

Why Christians Continue the Practice

1. Faithfulness to Christ’s Command: Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) Those who follow Him continue this ordinance in obedience to His direct instruction.

2. Public Declaration of the Gospel: By sharing Communion, Christians collectively declare that Jesus died for sins, was buried, and rose again—an affirmation of a historically and eternally significant event.

3. Realignment with the New Covenant: Regular observance allows believers to recalibrate their hearts toward the unmerited grace they have received in Christ, reaffirming that salvation is through His finished work and not by human efforts.

4. Strengthening of Community and Devotion: Practicing the ordinance in a corporate setting fosters unity, solidarity, and deeper fellowship among the congregation. It also sustains awareness of the believers’ shared mission and hope.

Conclusion

Communion, therefore, is both a deeply personal and profoundly communal act. It embodies a memorial meal that centers on Christ’s sacrificial death, highlights the believer’s participation in the new covenant of grace, and proclaims the living hope Christians cherish in Jesus’ promised return. Grounded in Scripture, practiced by the earliest followers of Christ, irrevocably linked to the proclamation of the Gospel, and sustained by consistent manuscript tradition, Communion remains an indispensable element of worship in the life of believers.