Who is eligible to receive communion?

Definition and Background

Communion—often called the Lord’s Supper—refers to the practice instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, commemorating His sacrifice and uniting believers in remembrance (cf. Mark 14:22–24). The bread represents His body, and the cup represents His blood. Over centuries, churches have taught this ordinance as central to the Christian life, calling on participants to reflect on Christ’s atoning work.

Biblical Foundation

Scripture establishes communion in passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:23–26:

“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 as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

This passage shows four key elements:

• Christ’s direct command: “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

• The bread and cup as symbols of His sacrifice.

• The emphasis on remembrance and proclamation of Christ’s death.

• The future hope: “until He comes.”

The Condition of Faith

In the New Testament narrative, communion was administered among those who had embraced faith in Christ. Believers are to partake of the bread and the cup in unity (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:16–17). Faith in Christ’s redemptive work is foundational. This implies:

1. A personal belief in Jesus Christ’s atoning death and resurrection.

2. Recognition of the communion elements as representing His body and blood.

Self-Examination and Repentance

Paul instructs believers to “examine themselves” before receiving communion (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). The passage states:

“Therefore, 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. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

This self-examination includes:

• A sincere check of one’s relationship with God and others.

• Confession of sin and readiness to renew fellowship with Christ.

• A reverent attitude toward the seriousness of His sacrifice.

Baptism and Church Membership

Throughout early church practice, baptism typically preceded taking communion, as baptism signified entrance into the covenant community (cf. Acts 2:41–42). Many church traditions hold that new believers should be baptized before participating in the Lord’s Supper. This pattern reflects:

1. Identification with Christ through baptism (Romans 6:3–4).

2. Full welcome into the visible local assembly of believers.

3. Affirmed oversight by church leadership who ensure reverent participation.

Different denominations vary in whether they strictly require baptism prior to communion. However, in numerous historical and contemporary settings, the normative pattern is baptism as a public confession of faith, followed by participation in communion.

Age of Understanding

Church traditions often emphasize a measure of spiritual understanding before one partakes in communion. This understanding includes:

• Grasping the significance of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

• Being able to examine oneself responsibly.

Younger believers are often guided by parents and church leaders to ensure they understand the basic gospel truths.

Exceptions and Pastoral Considerations

Special pastoral guidance may apply if a professing believer struggles with doubt or ongoing sin. In some cases, church leaders may counsel temporarily refraining from communion as the believer receives help to reconcile with God or others (cf. Matthew 18:15–17).

Unity in the Body of Christ

Communion also represents unity among believers (1 Corinthians 10:17). Hence, those who harbor unresolved animosity or serious division with fellow believers may need reconciliation prior to partaking (cf. Matthew 5:23–24). Unity underscores:

• Our shared faith and dependence on Christ.

• Our bond as members of one Body.

• Our collective witness to the world.

Historical Perspective

Early Christian writings outside the Bible, such as the Didache (dated roughly late first or early second century), encouraged believers to confess sins and reconcile with one another before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Archeological excavations of early Christian gathering places also demonstrate that the meal was a communal, faith-based practice, reserved for those recognized within the Christian community. Such historical testimony aligns with the New Testament instruction for communion’s sacred, covenantal nature.

Summary of Eligibility

1. A professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

2. A heart of repentance and sincerity, approaching the table reverently.

3. (In many traditions) Baptism as a public identification with Christ prior to communion.

4. Willingness to examine one’s life in light of Scripture and reconcile with others in the church.

Conclusion

In Scripture, communion is not a casual ritual, but a solemn and joyful celebration of Christ’s sacrifice and anticipated return. Eligible participants are those who believe in the Lord Jesus, have examined their hearts, and stand ready to observe this ordinance with reverence and unity. As Paul states, in remembering Christ through the bread and the cup, believers “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).