Communion: Proclaiming His Death Until He Comes
Communion, also called the Lord’s supper, is a practice that the church is commanded to do in Scripture. It is for the remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacri ce for the forgiveness of our sin, and it is for all who have believed in and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, and Luke 22:14-20 all show that Communion was rst instituted and commanded in the Scripture when Jesus shared a last meal with His disciples before His death. This meal is commonly known and referred to as the “last supper.” Jesus, while taking both the bread and the wine, described the imagery of the death He would soon die (Luke 22:19-23).
Communion focuses the church on the power of Jesus’ death for the redemption of their sin (2 Corinthians 5:17- 21). Through Scripture, Christ not only commands that we observe Communion; He also gives speci c direction as to how the church ought to observe it (1 Corinthians 11:23-32). During the sacred observance of Communion, an element or portion of unleavened bread, symbolizing Christ’s body, is distributed to the church. Along with the bread, a cup of the fruit of the vine, symbolizing Christ’s blood and typically represented with wine or grape juice, is also distributed to the church. Though instruction on observing Communion are speci c, there is no biblical command as to when and how often Communion is to be observed.
Scripture calls those who may be moved to partake in Communion to a time of self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28). The purpose of this time is to purify ourselves of sin through prayer and repentance. Anyone harboring sin that they are unwilling to repent of should not participate in Communion. The Scripture warns that those who participate in Communion with an unrepentant heart are at risk of sickness and even death (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). For the church, Communion is a time to worship in unity as we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Discussion Points
Are you harboring sin in your life that would keep you from partaking in communion right now?
How long will you delay before taking action on this sin in your life?