What is Communion and should I do it?
The Devotional Answer
The devotional answer is that Communion is a physical, beautiful, and deeply personal way that Jesus commanded you to remember His love and sacrifice. It's a sacred meal of remembrance and renewal. When you partake in the bread and the cup, you are not just recalling a historical event; you are consciously reaffirming your personal connection to Christ and your commitment to His body, the Church (Question 77).
Communion is a visible Gospel lesson: just as the bread and wine nourish your body, Jesus Christ's sacrifice nourishes your soul. By doing it, you obey a direct command of Jesus and participate in a powerful act that unites you with believers across time and place.
The Simple Answer
Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist) is one of the two main ordinances (sacred commands) that Jesus instituted for the church (the other being Baptism, Question 79). It involves sharing bread and wine (or juice) in a ceremony.
Its three core purposes are:
Remembrance: To recall and celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus’ body (the bread) and blood (the cup) given for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28).
Proclamation: To proclaim the reality of Christ’s death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Fellowship: To share a meal with fellow believers, symbolizing the unity of the Church ("communion").
Should you do it? Yes, if you are a committed Christian believer who understands the meaning of the ordinance and are in good standing with the local church.
The Deeper Dive: Meaning, Practice, and Examination
1. The Institution of the Supper
Jesus instituted Communion at the Last Supper with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He was transforming the Jewish Passover meal (which celebrated freedom from Egypt) into a Christian meal celebrating freedom from sin.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” — 1 Corinthians 11:24 (NIV)
The phrase "remembrance" means more than simply recalling; it means re-entering the event and proclaiming its reality in the present.
2. Theological Views on the Elements
Christians hold different views on the nature of the bread and wine:
Transubstantiation (Catholic): The elements literally become the body and blood of Christ while retaining their appearance.
Consubstantiation (Lutheran): Christ is physically present with, in, and under the elements.
Symbolic/Memorial (Baptist/Non-denominational): The elements are purely symbolic representations of Christ's body and blood, and the participation is an act of remembrance and faith.
All views agree that it is a profound act of worship and obedience.
3. The Command to Examine Yourself
The Apostle Paul issued a serious warning to those who partake in the Supper carelessly:
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” — 1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV)
Self-Examination means: confessing known sin (Question 96), ensuring you truly believe in Christ, and recognizing the deeper meaning of the elements. It is a moment to humbly align your heart with God.
Open vs. Closed Communion: Some churches practice open communion (inviting all baptized believers to participate), while others practice closed communion (limiting it to members of that specific denomination or church). Always respect the practice of the church you attend.
God's Assurance
God assures you that this ordinance is a means of grace—a visible promise of the forgiveness and sustenance you have in Christ.
"Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" — 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NIV)
You are assured that participation in this sacred meal strengthens your bond with Jesus, your Savior.
Your Takeaway Thought
If you are a Christian who has put your faith in Jesus, you should partake in Communion. Approach the Lord's Table with reverence, thankfulness, and a repentant heart. Use it as a moment to consciously reject the world's values, embrace the sacrifice of Christ, and look forward to the day when you will share a greater feast with Him in heaven.
