Topical Bible: Holy Communion

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Definition and Terminology
Holy Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist, is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. It is a central rite of Christian worship, commemorating the sacrifice of Christ and His command to "do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). The term "Eucharist" is derived from the Greek word "eucharistia," meaning thanksgiving, reflecting the gratitude for Christ's atoning work.

Biblical Foundation
The practice of Holy Communion is rooted in the New Testament accounts of the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples. The synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—along with Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, provide the primary scriptural basis for this sacrament. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul recounts the words of Jesus: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, 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, whenever 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."

Theological Significance
Holy Communion is a profound expression of the New Covenant, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and the community of faith. The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus, signifying His sacrificial death and the forgiveness of sins. This sacrament is a means of grace, strengthening the believer's faith and fostering spiritual growth. It is a reminder of Christ's atoning work and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come.

Practice and Observance
The observance of Holy Communion varies among Christian denominations, but it generally involves the consecration and distribution of bread and wine. Some traditions, such as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, emphasize the doctrine of transubstantiation, where the elements are believed to become the actual body and blood of Christ. Protestant denominations may hold to consubstantiation or a symbolic interpretation, viewing the elements as representations of Christ's body and blood.

The frequency of Communion also varies, with some churches celebrating it weekly, while others observe it monthly or quarterly. Regardless of frequency, the sacrament is approached with reverence and self-examination, as instructed by Paul: "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Historical Development
The early Church Fathers, such as Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr, wrote extensively about the Eucharist, affirming its central role in Christian worship. Over the centuries, theological debates and church councils have shaped the understanding and practice of Holy Communion. The Reformation brought significant changes, with reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin offering new interpretations that influenced Protestant theology.

Contemporary Relevance
Today, Holy Communion remains a vital aspect of Christian life, serving as a tangible reminder of Christ's love and sacrifice. It unites believers across denominational lines, fostering a sense of community and shared faith. As Christians partake in this sacred meal, they are reminded of their identity in Christ and their mission to proclaim His death and resurrection to the world.

Topical Bible Verses

Luke 22:19-20
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
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2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
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Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
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2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
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Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
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Library

Holy Communion
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES HOLY COMMUNION. The Communion [1207]320 According
to thy gracious word [1208]321 O God, unseen yet ever ...
/.../the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/holy communion 3.htm

The Holy Communion.
... XXXIX. THE HOLY COMMUNION. 2nd Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke 14:16. "A
certain man made a great supper.". INTRODUCTION."When the ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xxxix the holy communion.htm

Holy Communion
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES HOLY COMMUNION. The Offertory [1203]319 We give thee but
thine own Also the following: [1204]339 Let all mortal flesh keep silence. ...
/.../the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/holy communion 2.htm

Holy Communion
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES HOLY COMMUNION. Introits To be sung with the
appropriate doxology. [1132]303 Approach, my soul, the mercy ...
/.../the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/holy communion.htm

The Holy Communion the Remembrance.
... The Holy Communion The Remembrance. VI. The Remembrance. 7,6,7,6. Wie k??nnt ich
Sein vergeffen. [215]Kern. Died 1835. Oh how could I forget Him. ...
/.../the holy communion the remembrance.htm

The Holy Communion the Thanksgiving.
... The Holy Communion The Thanksgiving. II. The Thanksgiving. 8,8,8,8,7,7,
7,7. Schm?�cke dich o liebe Seele. [207]J. Frank.1653. Deck ...
/.../the holy communion the thanksgiving.htm

The Holy Communion the Preparation.
... The Holy Communion The Preparation. I. The Preparation. 10,9,10,7,5,8,8,8,8,5. Herr
Jesu Christe mein getreuer Hirte. [205]Johann Heermann.1630. ...
/.../the holy communion the preparation.htm

That Holy Communion is not Lightly to be Omitted
... THE FOURTH BOOK. OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR CHAPTER X That Holy Communion
is not lightly to be omitted. The Voice of the Beloved ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x that holy communion.htm

The Holy Communion the Christian Sacrifice.
... The Holy Communion The Christian Sacrifice. IV. The Christian Sacrifice.
10,10,4,6,8,8. Nun nimm mein Herz und alles was ich bin. [211]Angelus.1657. ...
/.../the holy communion the christian.htm

A Devout Exhortation to the Holy Communion the Voice of Christ
... THE FOURTH BOOK. OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR A devout exhortation to
the Holy Communion The Voice of Christ. Come unto Me, all ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/a devout exhortation to the.htm