Why is Christian communion important?

Definition of Christian Communion

Christian communion—often called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist—refers to the practice in which believers share bread and wine (or grape juice) to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The earliest accounts of this observance appear in the Gospel narratives, where Jesus Himself inaugurated the practice. One concise passage in the Berean Standard Bible states, “[He] took bread, gave thanks and broke it” (Luke 22:19). Early Christians continued this observance as an act of worship and mutual fellowship.

Biblical Foundations

The institution of communion is specifically recounted in Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22, with additional teaching from Paul in 1 Corinthians 11. A well-known phrase from Paul reads, “Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:25). These early writings form the foundation of the Christian command to partake regularly in communion.

The Scriptures present communion as more than a symbolic meal. It is a profound statement of unity with Christ and His work on the cross. Its roots in the Passover meal tie it to deliverance and redemption. In the Old Testament, the Passover meal remembered how Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt. In the New Testament context, communion underscores deliverance from sin and spiritual death.

Historical Context and Early Christian Observance

In the Acts of the Apostles, newly converted believers “devoted themselves … to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). This phrase, “the breaking of bread,” is widely accepted as an early term for communion. First-century writers, such as Ignatius of Antioch, also referenced the importance of sharing bread and wine as a core aspect of Christian worship.

Archaeological findings, including ancient house-church sites (like the one in Dura-Europos, dated to the third century AD), often feature rooms dedicated to communal gatherings and feasting. Many historians argue that these spaces were used for Christian fellowship, likely including the Lord’s Supper. This evidence shows that communion was practiced consistently and held high importance in the church’s worship from its earliest days.

Symbolic Representation of Christ’s Sacrifice

Communion highlights the self-giving nature of Jesus’s atoning sacrifice. The bread represents His body, and the cup represents His blood shed for the remission of sins. According to the, Jesus said, “This is My body, given for you” (Luke 22:19) and “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). These short statements emphasize the depth of God’s love demonstrated at the cross.

By calling it a “new covenant,” the ceremony looks back to the Old Testament sacrificial system and reveals how Christ’s death fulfills it. Scriptures such as Hebrews 9:12–14 intricately detail how Jesus’s final sacrifice replaces repeated animal offerings. Communing with bread and cup symbolizes partaking in the blessings of that finished work.

Unity Among Believers

Paul’s words to the Corinthian church reveal that communion fosters unity: “Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Sharing the elements exemplifies corporate oneness. In social and behavioral terms, the shared ritual strengthens communal bonds. Instead of isolating participants, it unites them under Christ’s identity.

From a historical perspective, even amid persecution and doctrinal debates, Christians often maintained the practice of communion to signify their solidarity. For instance, in the catacombs of Rome, believers used signs and symbols (like the fish or the anchor) that also pointed quietly to the communal nature of their faith. The continuity and endurance of the practice underscore its importance for maintaining unity.

Spiritual Nourishment and Reflection

Another facet of communion includes self-examination and spiritual nourishment. Paul advised believers to “examine themselves” before partaking (1 Corinthians 11:28). This underscores a reflective element, calling for confession of sin and renewed commitment. From a behavioral science view, setting aside structured time to reflect fosters personal growth and communal integrity.

Additionally, the act of remembering Christ’s suffering and resurrection can encourage faith and perseverance. Like the repetition of any meaningful ritual, communion can shape a believer’s worldview, reminding them of the reality of Christ’s resurrection—a doctrine firmly upheld by the eyewitness testimony recorded in the Gospels and corroborated by early Christian writings and experiences.

Worship and Thanksgiving

Communion is also an act of worship and thanksgiving, sometimes referred to as the “Eucharist,” a term derived from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.” In Luke 22, a short statement highlights that Jesus “gave thanks” (Luke 22:17). Believers have followed this pattern, thanking God for His provision and redemption.

In many church traditions, moments of prayer and praise accompany communion. Through collective remembrance and gratitude, Christians acknowledge that salvation and eternal life come through Jesus Christ alone. This thankful posture is a form of glorifying God, which believers embrace as their ultimate purpose in life.

Practical Observance Across History

Throughout centuries, Christian congregations have observed communion in various ways: weekly, monthly, or seasonally. Many scholars note that the Didache, a first-century Christian teaching document, includes instructions for giving thanks over the cup and the bread. These early sources confirm the continuity of the practice, connecting modern observances to the same core meaning that ran through the early church’s gatherings.

From an apologetics standpoint, the consistent observance of communion across global Christian communities—while cultures, languages, and customs vary—speaks to its profound spiritual significance. This enduring tradition helps anchor faithful believers to the foundational event of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Communion and the Resurrection

The Lord’s Supper directly ties to the resurrection, as there would be no point in commemorating a dead Messiah who lacked power over the grave. As Paul states, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). By celebrating the Lord’s Supper, believers remember not only Christ’s death but that He rose on the third day, validating His identity as the eternal Son of God. Without the resurrection, the act of communion would lose its significance. But because the tomb was found empty—an event corroborated by multiple Gospel sources and by the transformation of the disciples—communion is a triumphant proclamation of Christ’s victory.

Reminder of the New Covenant

Christians embrace communion as a symbol of the new covenant relationship between God and humankind. In the words of Jeremiah 31:33, God promised to write His law on people’s hearts. By linking the bread and cup to the new covenant, Jesus highlighted that He is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, showing consistency from Genesis (where sacrifice and redemption motifs begin) all the way to Revelation (which culminates in the wedding supper of the Lamb, Revelation 19:9).

Conclusion

In summary, Christian communion holds major importance as a shared act of worship, a testimony to the unity of the body of believers, and a vivid proclamation of the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It provides a regular occasion for personal reflection, gratitude, and recommitment to following Him. Rooted firmly in Scripture and practiced from the earliest days of the church, communion transcends cultural and historical boundaries, offering believers across the world and throughout history one emblematic meal that proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).