What is communion and why do Christians observe it?
Communion, sometimes called the Lord’s Supper, is a Biblical practice where believers remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ through bread and the cup. Scripture teaches that communion is a memorial, a time of reflection, and a proclamation of Christ’s death until He returns.
Why people ask this question
Some people are unsure what communion represents or why churches observe it regularly. Others have questions about its meaning, who should participate, and whether it is symbolic or connected to salvation. The Bible explains clearly why believers practice communion and what it represents.
Jesus established communion as a memorial of His sacrifice
Luke 22:19–20 (KJV)
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Jesus personally instructed His followers to observe this practice. The bread represents His body given in sacrifice. The cup represents His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. Communion reminds believers of the cost of redemption.
Communion proclaims Christ’s death and points forward to His return
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (KJV)
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Communion is both remembrance and proclamation. Believers remember Christ’s sacrifice, and they also declare the Gospel message through this act of worship.
Communion calls believers to self-examination and reverence
1 Corinthians 11:27–29 (KJV)
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Communion is not meant to be casual or careless. It is a time for believers to reflect on their relationship with Christ, confess sin, and remember the seriousness of the cross.
Communion reflects unity among believers
1 Corinthians 10:16–17 (KJV)
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Communion reminds believers that they share one Savior and belong to one spiritual body. It encourages unity, humility, and love among Christians.
Key word study (Strong’s Definitions)
Remembrance (Greek: ἀνάμνησις)
Strong’s G364 — anamnesis: A memorial, a recalling or calling to mind.
Communion (Greek: κοινωνία)
Strong’s G2842 — koinōnia: Fellowship, participation, sharing in common.
What this means
- Communion is a Biblical memorial established by Jesus Christ.
- It reminds believers of Christ’s body and blood given for salvation.
- Communion proclaims the Gospel and looks forward to Christ’s return.
- Believers should approach communion with reverence and self-examination.
- Communion reflects unity among Christians.
Gospel connection
Romans 5:8 (KJV)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Communion does not provide salvation, but it reminds believers of the sacrifice that makes salvation possible. Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.