Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, stands as a cornerstone of Christian worship and practice. It is a ritual deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, symbolizing profound spiritual truths and inviting believers into a tangible expression of their faith. This sacred observance involves the partaking of bread and wine (or grape juice), which represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ respectively. Beyond its symbolic elements, communion holds a central place in Christian theology, embodying themes of sacrifice, unity, spiritual nourishment, and anticipation of Christ’s return. It serves not only as a remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection but also as a communal act of worship and celebration.
In this article, we explore 7 Reasons Why We Take Communion, delving into its theological underpinnings and practical implications for believers worldwide. By understanding these reasons, we gain insight into the rich significance of communion in the life of the church and its enduring relevance in contemporary Christian practice.
7 Reasons Why We Take Communion
1. Remembrance of Christ’s Sacrifice
At the heart of communion is the remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. According to Christian theology, Jesus instituted communion during the Last Supper, where he broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, instructing them to do this in remembrance of him. The bread symbolizes his body broken for humanity’s sins, and the wine represents his blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. By participating in communion, Christians actively remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for their salvation.
2. Unity with Christ and Fellow Believers
Communion also serves as a unifying practice within the Christian community. It symbolizes the believer’s spiritual union with Christ and their fellow believers. The apostle Paul emphasizes this unity in 1 Corinthians 10:17, stating, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” The act of sharing the bread and wine signifies a shared faith and identity among believers, regardless of differences in background or denomination.
3. Spiritual Nourishment and Growth
Beyond symbolism, communion is believed to provide spiritual nourishment and sustenance for the Christian life. In John 6:53-56, Jesus speaks of the spiritual significance of consuming his flesh and blood, emphasizing the intimate relationship believers can have with him through this act. Many Christians view communion as a means of receiving grace and spiritual strength, helping them to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
4. Participation in the New Covenant
The bread and wine of communion symbolize the new covenant that Jesus inaugurated through his death and resurrection. In Luke 22:20, Jesus states, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” The new covenant represents God’s promise of forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ, replacing the old covenant of law with grace. By partaking in communion, Christians affirm their commitment to this new covenant and their identity as recipients of God’s grace.
5. Anticipation of Christ’s Return
Communion also looks forward to the future return of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul writes, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” Participating in communion serves as a proclamation of faith in Christ’s death, resurrection, and imminent return. It encourages believers to live in anticipation and readiness for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ.
6. Examination and Self-Reflection
Before participating in communion, many churches encourage believers to engage in self-examination and reflection. This practice is rooted in 1 Corinthians 11:28, where Paul instructs, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” Self-reflection allows Christians to confess any sins, reconcile with others, and renew their commitment to Christ before partaking in the sacrament. It fosters personal introspection and spiritual growth as believers strive to live in accordance with God’s will.
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7. Communal Worship and Celebration
Lastly, communion serves as a time of communal worship and celebration within the Christian community. It is often conducted as part of a larger worship service, where believers gather to praise God, receive teaching from Scripture, and fellowship with one another. Sharing in the bread and wine signifies shared faith, unity, and devotion to Christ among believers. It is a tangible expression of worship and thanksgiving for God’s redeeming work in Christ, affirming the central role of Jesus in the life and faith of the church.
Conclusion
Communion holds multifaceted significance in Christian faith and practice. It is a solemn remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, a symbol of unity and fellowship among believers, a source of spiritual nourishment and growth, a participation in the new covenant, an anticipation of Christ’s return, a time for examination and self-reflection, and a communal act of worship and celebration. Through communion, Christians affirm their faith in Jesus Christ and proclaim his death until he comes again, embodying the timeless truths and promises of the gospel in a tangible and profound manner.