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Understanding communion in the Bible: Its spiritual significance and scriptural foundations

What does it mean to share a meal that spans centuries, connects you to every believer around the world, and reminds you of the greatest sacrifice ever made?

That’s what happens when you come to the Lord’s Table.

Communion isn’t just a church tradition. It’s a sacred moment Jesus Himself instituted. It's a moment to remember, to worship, and to be renewed. The bread and the cup are simple, but what they represent is eternal. They speak of Christ’s body broken for you, His blood poured out for your forgiveness, and His promise to return.

This article will help you understand what communion truly is; from its biblical roots and rich symbolism to its place in your spiritual walk today. You’ll see how the early church practiced it, how different denominations approach it, and how you can come to the Table with a heart prepared to receive its blessings.

The Biblical Roots of Communion

Communion began with Jesus on the night He was betrayed. While celebrating the Passover with His disciples, He took bread and wine and gave them new meaning:

“Take, eat; this is my body… Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26–28).

Jesus was establishing a new ordinance for His followers. The bread would represent His body given for us. The cup would represent His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. He commanded, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24).

That moment connected the Lord’s Supper to the Old Testament Passover. The Israelites had been delivered from Egypt by the blood of a lamb. Now, Jesus, the true Lamb of God (John 1:29), would deliver us from sin through His once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). The “blood of the covenant” He mentioned echoed Exodus 24:8, but this time the covenant would be sealed with His own blood (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

From Genesis to Revelation, communion is part of God’s redemptive story. It is rooted in the Gospel and anchored in God’s promises.

Communion in the Early Church

After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, the early church immediately obeyed His command. In Acts 2:42, believers are described as devoting themselves to “the breaking of bread and the prayers.” They remembered Jesus regularly, often in their homes (Acts 2:46). On the first day of the week, they gathered to “break bread” (Acts 20:7).

The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthian church how to observe communion properly. Some were abusing it, treating it like a feast and excluding others. Paul corrected them and reminded them that every time believers take the bread and cup, they “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

He also taught that communion is a “participation” in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). As one loaf and one cup were shared, the church was reminded that they were one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17). The Lord’s Supper united believers in worship, fellowship, and remembrance.

While Scripture does not mandate a specific frequency, the pattern is clear: communion should be regular, reverent, and focused on Christ.

The Bread and the Cup: Symbols Full of Meaning

Communion uses two simple elements, bread and the cup, to symbolize the body and blood of Jesus.

The bread reminds us that Jesus took on human flesh and gave His body to be broken for us. The cup reminds us of His blood poured out for our forgiveness. Jesus used symbolic language, as He often did when teaching (e.g., calling Himself the vine or the door). His words, “This is my body,” point to a spiritual reality, not a literal transformation.

Evangelicals understand communion as a memorial. The bread and cup remain what they are, but they represent something far greater: the sacrifice of Christ. When we take them in faith, we are remembering that our salvation came at a great cost. The act of communion helps you see, touch, and taste the Gospel.

This is not an empty ritual. It is a time to reflect on the cost of your salvation, rejoice in the grace of God, and renew your fellowship with Christ and His people.

Communion as Worship

Communion is not only a memorial. It is an act of worship.

When you take the bread and cup, you are giving thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus. The word “Eucharist” itself comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving (eucharisteo). You are also proclaiming the Gospel to yourself and others (1 Corinthians 11:26).

In communion, you are reminded of God’s holiness, your sin, and Christ’s mercy. You confess, you repent, and you worship. It is a time of reverence, gratitude, and joy.

Communion also unites the church. As you partake, you remember that you are not alone. You are part of the body of Christ. You eat and drink together with other believers who share the same Savior, the same hope, and the same grace.

Finally, communion looks ahead. Jesus promised that one day, we will share the table with Him in His Kingdom (Matthew 26:29). Each time we take the bread and cup, we proclaim His death and anticipate His return.

Spiritual Benefits of Communion

Communion does not save you. But when you receive it in faith, it strengthens your faith.

Here are five spiritual benefits of communion:

• Fellowship with Christ: You draw near to your Savior and are reminded of His love.

• Spiritual nourishment: Communion strengthens your soul like food strengthens your body.

• Unity with believers: You are reminded that we are one body in Christ.

• Renewed gratitude: You remember what Christ has done and respond with thanksgiving.

• Gospel proclamation: You bear witness to Christ’s death until He returns.

Communion is a gift to the church. It centers your heart on Jesus and refreshes your soul with the truth of the Gospel.

Preparing for the Table

Because of its sacred nature, communion calls for self-examination. Paul warned against taking it in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). This does not mean being perfect. It means coming with humility, honesty, and repentance.

Before you take communion, ask yourself:

• Am I trusting in Jesus for salvation?

• Is there unconfessed sin in my life?

• Am I holding bitterness or unforgiveness?

Take time to pray. Confess your sins. Forgive others. Focus your heart on Jesus.

If you are not a believer, communion is not for you—yet. Instead, use that time to consider what Jesus has done and ask God to open your heart to believe.

Parents should help their children understand the meaning of communion and guide them appropriately. Typically, churches ask that only those who have trusted in Christ (and often, been baptized) participate.

What Communion is Not

To understand communion rightly, it helps to know what it is not.

• It is not a means of salvation: Salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through taking communion.

• It is not a re-sacrifice of Christ: Jesus died once for all. Communion remembers that finished work.

• It is not a mere ritual: The act itself has no power apart from faith.

• It is not for the unbelieving or unrepentant: Communion is for believers who come with reverence and faith.

When communion is received properly, it is a rich and joyful reminder of the Gospel. When it is taken casually or superstitiously, it loses its meaning—and may even invite discipline (1 Corinthians 11:30).

Conclusion

The Lord’s Supper is a gift from Jesus to His church. It is a vivid picture of the Gospel, a moment of worship, a call to unity, and a channel of grace. Every time you take the bread and cup, you are remembering the cross, proclaiming the resurrection, examining your heart, and anticipating Christ’s return.

So come to the Table often. Come with reverence. Come with gratitude. Come in faith.

As you hold the bread, remember: Jesus’ body was given for you. As you drink the cup, recall: His blood was shed for your forgiveness.

Let every communion remind you: “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.”