Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist, is a central rite in Christian worship, instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. It serves as a profound act of remembrance, commemorating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. This sacred observance is rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus commands His followers to partake in the bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for Communion as an act of remembrance is found in the Synoptic Gospels and Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In Luke 22:19, Jesus instructs His disciples, "And He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Paul recounts the words of Jesus: "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.'"

Theological Significance

Communion as remembrance is not merely a mental exercise but a spiritual act that engages the believer in the mystery of Christ's atoning work. It is a tangible expression of faith, where the elements of bread and wine serve as visible signs of an invisible grace. Through this sacrament, Christians are called to reflect on the depth of Christ's love and the cost of their redemption.

The act of remembrance in Communion is both retrospective and prospective. It looks back to the historical event of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, acknowledging the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. At the same time, it anticipates the future consummation of God's kingdom, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 11:26: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes."

Communal and Personal Dimensions

Communion is both a communal and personal experience. It unites believers as the body of Christ, fostering a sense of fellowship and shared identity. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul emphasizes this unity: "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

On a personal level, Communion invites individual introspection and repentance. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and relationships before partaking, as Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 11:28: "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."

Historical Practice

Throughout church history, the practice of Communion has varied in frequency and form, yet its essence as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice remains unchanged. Early Christians gathered regularly to break bread, as seen in Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

In various Christian traditions, the elements of Communion may be understood differently, yet the call to remember Christ's sacrifice is universally acknowledged. Whether observed weekly, monthly, or on special occasions, Communion remains a vital expression of Christian faith and devotion.

Conclusion

Communion as remembrance is a profound and sacred act that transcends time and culture, drawing believers into the heart of the Gospel message. Through this ordinance, Christians are continually reminded of the love, sacrifice, and promise of Jesus Christ, anchoring their faith in the redemptive work of the Savior.