What is the Purpose of Communion?

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is significant in the Christian faith. It is a practice observed by believers worldwide, tracing back to the Last Supper, where Jesus instructed his disciples to partake in bread and wine in remembrance of him.

The purpose of communion is twofold. Firstly, it commemorates Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross. By consuming the bread, which symbolizes his body, and drinking the wine, which symbolizes his blood, believers remember and reflect on the tremendous love and redemption through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Secondly, communion symbolizes establishing the New Covenant between God and humanity. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are forgiven and granted the hope of eternal life. Communion serves as a solemn reminder of this covenant, our unity as the body of Christ, and the eternal hope we have in him.

Key Takeaways:

• Communion is a practice observed by Christians to remember Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.
• It symbolizes the establishment of the New Covenant and the forgiveness of sins.
• Communion serves as a reminder of the unity of the body of Christ.
• Believers partake in the bread and wine to reaffirm their faith and receive spiritual nourishment.
• Through communion, believers honor and remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context and Prophecies Fulfilled Regarding Communion

The biblical context of communion can be found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, where Jesus is seen sharing a meal with his disciples and predicting his death. During the Last Supper, he took bread, broke it, and declared it his body, symbolizing the sacrifice he was about to make. The disciples partook in the bread, representing their acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins.

This communion fulfills various prophecies, such as those in the Book of Malachi, which speak of a pure offering and the name of God being exalted among the nations. Communion also parallels the Passover meal, where the Hebrews smeared blood on their doorframes and ate the Passover lamb, which foreshadowed Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb.

Through communion, believers fulfill these prophecies and acknowledge Jesus as the sacrifice for their sins.

The Spiritual Significance and Practice of Communion

Communion holds great spiritual significance for Christians. This practice allows believers to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his body and shed his blood for our redemption. By partaking in the bread and wine, we symbolically participate in the body and blood of Christ, reaffirming our faith and receiving forgiveness of sins.

Communion is a powerful way to grow closer to God and experience the nourishment, strength, and joy from Christ’s sacrifice. It is also a symbol of unity within the body of Christ as we partake together in remembrance of what Jesus has done for us. Through this communion, we acknowledge our dependence on Jesus, our shared identity as his followers, and our mutual commitment to live in love and harmony.

The practice of communion varies among different denominations and churches. Some may partake in communion every week, while others do so less frequently. The elements used, such as bread, wafers, unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice, may also differ. However, regardless of the variations, the core purpose remains the same – to honor and remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and embrace the spiritual significance of communion.