Communion Scripture: A Guide to Biblical References

Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, is a central sacrament in Christianity. It involves sharing bread and wine to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. The Bible provides numerous scriptures that shed light on the significance and practice of communion.

Biblical References to Communion

1. Institution of Communion (Matthew 26:26-29)
Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take, eat; this is my body."
He then took a cup of wine, blessed it, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

2. Purpose of Communion (Luke 22:19-20)
Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me."
Communion is a memorial of Jesus' death and sacrifice, reminding us of his love and the salvation he offers.

3. Unity in Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
Paul writes, "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Communion symbolizes the unity of believers in Christ.

4. Examination before Communion (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)
Paul instructs, "Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord."
Communion should be taken with reverence and self-examination, ensuring that our hearts are right.

Significance of Communion

Communion holds immense spiritual significance for Christians:

• Remembrance: It reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and the salvation we have received.
• Thanksgiving: We express our gratitude for God's grace and love.
• Unity: It fosters unity among believers, breaking down barriers and building community.
• Renewal: Communion provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with Christ.
• Hope: It points us towards the future, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ's return.

Communion is a sacred act that deeply connects us to Jesus Christ and one another. The biblical references provide guidance on its practice and significance, emphasizing its role as a memorial, expression of unity, and source of spiritual renewal. By understanding these scriptures, we can fully appreciate the depth of Communion and its transformative power in our lives.