What is the meaning of First Communion?

Definition and Overview

First Communion is commonly understood as the initial occasion when a believer partakes of the bread and the cup that commemorate the Lord’s Supper. This sacred practice finds its roots in the New Testament, where Jesus Himself instituted what is called the “Lord’s Supper” or “Communion.” The term “communion” derives from the concept of fellowship and participation in the sacrificial work of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:16). In many Christian traditions, First Communion is preceded by an instructional period to ensure the individual’s reverent understanding of both the doctrinal meaning and practical application of this central ordinance.

Biblical Foundations

The Scriptural basis for Communion is primarily found in the accounts of the Last Supper (e.g., Luke 22:19–20) and the Apostle Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians (especially 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine, declaring them as representations of His body and blood, which would be given for the sins of humanity:

• “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.’” (Luke 22:19–20)

In 1 Corinthians, Paul recounts this same event and provides detailed instructions on how believers should approach the Lord’s Table:

• “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

From these passages, the biblical mandate for remembering Christ’s sacrifice through the elements of bread and fruit of the vine becomes clear, establishing Communion as an ongoing ordinance or sacrament in the Church.

Historical Practice and Early Church Witness

In the earliest decades of the Church’s existence, believers regularly devoted themselves to “the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Early Christian writings such as the Didache (likely composed in the late first or early second century) provide insight into how the nascent Church practiced the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing the importance of unity and thanksgiving.

Archaeological findings from ancient Christian catacombs and places of worship also illustrate believers gathered around a communal table. These discoveries reinforce the continuity of this sacred meal from the earliest days of the faith. The consistent references to the bread and cup in both biblical manuscripts and historical church writings underscore the practice’s enduring centrality.

Symbolism and Meaning

Communion signifies participation in Christ’s atoning work. As the bread represents His body and the cup represents His blood, believers are reminded that salvation was accomplished through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection. This act of remembrance is more than mere recall; it is both a proclamation of Christ’s atoning death and a celebration of His victory over sin.

The symbol of the bread:

• Points to Jesus’ body that was crucified (Luke 22:19).

• Calls believers to recognize the immeasurable cost of redemption.

The symbol of the cup:

• Portrays Jesus’ blood of the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).

• Affirms that forgiveness of sin is available to all who believe (cf. Hebrews 9:22).

Christ’s resurrection is demonstrated to be true by the abundance of manuscript evidence, historical eyewitness testimonies (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), and corroboration from early critics-turned-apostles (e.g., Paul). This historically verifiable miracle forms the basis for understanding Communion as a celebration of a living, risen Savior.

Preparation and Age of Participation

Various Christian traditions differ on when and how First Communion is taken. Some emphasize sufficient age and doctrinal understanding before allowing a believer to partake. Others integrate it closely with baptism, based on texts like Acts 2:41–42, where newly baptized believers immediately participated in fellowship and the “breaking of bread.”

Regardless of the specific tradition, most agree that instruction in the essentials of faith is beneficial, ensuring that the individual fully appreciates the solemn and joyful aspects of this ordinance. This preparation often involves learning the core truths of salvation, the significance of the elements, and the believer’s ongoing commitment to holy living.

Spiritual and Communal Dimensions

Communion reflects unity not only with Christ but also with fellow believers (1 Corinthians 10:17). Partaking of the Lord’s Table together expresses and strengthens the shared bond of those who are in Christ. This communal dimension underscores that believers are part of a larger family of faith, united by the same Lord and the same Spirit.

Moreover, Communion serves as a regular guide for self-examination. Paul advises believers to “examine themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:28) before partaking. This includes reflecting on one’s relationship with God and with others in the community of faith. Through prayer, repentance, and a renewed commitment to a Christ-centered life, believers are reminded to approach the elements with reverence and gratitude.

Comparison with Passover Roots

Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper during the time of Passover (Luke 22:7–8), a feast commemorating Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). Passover’s focus on redemption from bondage finds its deeper fulfillment in the Communion celebration, where believers remember their deliverance from the bondage of sin through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The parallels include:

• The Passover lamb in Exodus 12 points to Jesus, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29).

• The swift exit from Egypt foreshadows the believer’s transformation and exodus from sin.

• The shared meal fosters communal remembrance of God’s saving acts.

First Communion in Modern Practice

In contemporary settings, “First Communion” often marks a pivotal moment in a believer’s spiritual journey. For children raised in Christian homes, it can be a moment when they publicly declare their personal faith for the first time. In adult conversions, it serves as an outward declaration of inward commitment, following scriptural patterns of repentance, baptism, and communion.

This occasion is frequently viewed both as a point of celebration and solemn reflection. The believer acknowledges Christ’s sacrifice, proclaims personal trust in His saving work, and commits to a lifelong pursuit of spiritual growth. Often, families and friends join to witness and rejoice in this milestone, underlining the corporate nature of the event.

Practical Considerations

1. Instruction: Individuals are generally guided through biblical teachings about sin, salvation, Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and the nature of the Lord’s Supper.

2. Self-Examination: Prior to partaking, a time of heart-searching encourages proper reverence and repentance of known sin.

3. Reverence: Churches often encourage thoughtful reflection to avoid partaking in a casual or unholy manner (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:27–29).

4. Frequency: Traditions vary widely, with some observing Communion weekly, others monthly or quarterly. The biblical command is to do this “as often as” believers gather to remember Him (1 Corinthians 11:25–26).

Conclusion

First Communion encapsulates a believer’s initial, formal entry into the sacred practice of remembering Christ’s sacrifice through the elements of bread and cup. Scripturally instituted by Jesus, grounded in historical evidence and consistent Christian practice, it stands as a powerful expression of both individual faith and communal identity in the body of Christ.

The practice, guarded by centuries of testimony and vibrant tradition, echoes the central truths of redemption, unity, and thanksgiving that are woven throughout Scripture. It remains a joyful and reverent act of worship in which believers of every age and generation proclaim, “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.”