Communion: A Sacred Act of Spiritual Union - Understanding the Lord's Supper

In Christian worship, communion represents the profound spiritual fellowship between believers and Christ through the sacred remembrance feast. This divine ordinance, also known as the Lord's Table, the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, serves as a powerful symbol of our union with Jesus and His sacrificial love.

Biblical Foundation and Spiritual Significance

The communion service parallels the Old Testament Passover: an annual remembrance of when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and the angel of death "passed over" their homes if animal blood had been applied to the doorposts (Ex 12:7). It is significant that Jesus' last meal with His disciples—the last supper—was a celebration of the Passover, immediately before His crucifixion (Mt 26:17–29).

Jesus instructed His disciples to use bread and wine as symbolic tokens to regularly remember the sacrifice He would make when He died for our sins on the cross (Mt 26:26–28; Mk 14:22–24; Lk 22:19–20; Jn 6:53–58; 1 Cor 11:23–26). The bread symbolizes His body, given so we might be physically, mentally, and emotionally healed.

The wine represents His life's blood, shed to redeem us and seal the new covenant between God and humanity—enabling us to approach God personally.

The Old Testament prophetically declares: "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases" (Ps 103:3). "He took our infirmities…by His wounds we are healed…and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all…He bore the sin of many" (Isa 53:4,5,12). We recognize that it was Jesus who delivered us from the bondage of sin and brought us into right relationship with God.

Who Should Participate in Communion?

Only born-again believers walking in fellowship with the Lord and with one another should partake in this remembrance feast (Lk 22:19). Taking communion does not make a person a Christian. Since communion speaks of union with Christ, it holds no spiritual significance for an unbeliever who is not connected to God (Jn 1:12).

Jesus gave His all that He might get my all. Does He have it?

A believer who is living in deliberate, unrepentant sin has hardened their heart and is not availing themselves of the forgiveness communion represents—and should therefore abstain until reconciled with God or others (Mt 5:23–24; 1 Jn 1:7–9).

Communion should motivate self-examination, confession of sin, and reconciliation—so we may partake with a clear conscience. Refraining due to unresolved spiritual issues is wise; partaking in hypocrisy is dangerous (1 Cor 11:27–31). The unregenerate and unrepentant should not partake. Born-again believers, free from unconfessed sin and living in obedience to God, should regularly embrace this sacred privilege.

Symbolism Over Substance in Communion

Some believe the bread must be unleavened and the juice actual wine, as it was at the Last Supper. However, the focus is not on the elements themselves, but on Jesus—whose body was broken and whose blood was shed so we might be made whole. As Jesus is the embodiment of truth, He declared Himself the true bread of life and the true vine—truths symbolized in the two emblems of communion (Jn 6:32,35, 15:1).

The Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation—the belief that the bread and wine become the actual flesh and blood of Christ—is incorrect. The power lies not in the elements, but in the person they represent.

A Call to Renewal and Commitment

Communion is a sobering time—we reflect on the immense cost our Saviour paid, the penalty that rightfully belonged to us. Yet it is also joyous, as we embrace the benefits: cleansing from sin, deliverance from eternal punishment, wholeness in every area of life, and an eternal relationship with Jesus.

It is a sacred opportunity to renew our commitment and strengthen our ongoing connection to Christ, realigning ourselves with divine standards.

Baptism and communion are the only two ordinances—visible expressions of faith—that Jesus explicitly commanded us to observe (Mt 28:19–20; Lk 22:19–20; 1 Cor 11:23–25).

Reflection and Application:

Examine your heart before partaking—confess known sin and seek reconciliation.
Remember that communion is not ritual, but relationship—centered on Christ's sacrifice.
Let the symbols of bread and wine deepen your gratitude for salvation and healing.
Recommit daily to live in obedience, reflecting the covenant you renew at the Table.