Communion is an essential ritual in Christian faith, demonstrating the sacrifice Jesus made for believers through symbolic elements. The Bible holds numerous verses that elaborate on the meaning, significance, and practice of Communion. These verses explain the purpose of Communion, how it should be performed, who can partake in it, and why it is crucial in Christian faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Communion?
The Bible provides detailed narratives about Communion, primarily in The New Testament. Predominantly, it emphasizes the symbolism of the bread and wine, which represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. These symbols are a reminder of His sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity. The Bible also highlights the importance of partaking in Communion for remembrance of Jesus and to proclaim His death until He returns.
Who Can Partake in Communion According to the Bible?
The Bible suggests that Communion is not merely restricted to clergy or religious leaders but is to be shared amongst all believers. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ, accepts Him as their savior, and lives according to His teachings is welcomed to partake in Communion. Nonetheless, it also warns believers to examine themselves and approach Communion with respect and reverence, appreciating the sacrifice it signifies.
Why is Communion Significant in the Bible?
Communion is highly significant in the Bible because it embodies the relationship between Jesus Christ and His followers. It serves as a tangible reminder of the covenant made by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection – a covenant of love, forgiveness, and eternal life. Communion renews this covenant, strengthening the spiritual bond between believers and Jesus each time it is partaken. Therefore, it is not a mere ritual, but a vital act of faith that affirms believers’ commitment to Jesus Christ.
How Should Communion be Performed?
The Bible provides a framework for the Communion ritual. It is often led by a church leader, but it is an act of community, shared amongst believers in remembrance of Jesus. On many occasions, it is done within the confines of a church, but The Bible does not specify a definitive location, hence it can vary. The two key elements – bread and wine – are shared amongst the participants, reminiscent of the Last Supper where Jesus first introduced the ritual. The bread, symbolizing His body, is broken, and the wine, representing His blood, is poured out. As believers partake, they are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for them.
When Should Communion be Practiced?
The Bible does not dictate a specific timetable for practicing Communion. While it is often observed during worship services, some Christian denominations celebrate it daily, weekly, or monthly. The primary goal is to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice frequently and reverently. Consequently, the frequency of Communion might vary, but any time it is practiced, it encourages remembrance and reflection on Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, fostering spiritual growth.
Below is our full list of bible verses on communion (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Communion
1 Corinthians 11:26
“26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
Matthew 26:26-28
“26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
1 Corinthians 10:16
“16 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?”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Holy Communion
Acts 2:42
“42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Related Themes: Community Holy Communion Prayer Church
Luke 22:19-20
“19 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.20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion Holy Communion Gluttony
John 6:53-58
“53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion Omnipotence
1 Corinthians 10:17
“17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
Related Themes: Pride Holy Communion Church
1 Corinthians 11:24
“24 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.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion Remembering
Acts 20:7
“7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
1 Corinthians 11:25
“25 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.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
Mark 14:22-25
“22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 22:19
“19 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.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion Holy Communion Gluttony
John 6:35
“35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“16 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?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Holy Communion
1 John 1:3
“3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
Related Themes: Glorification Telling The Truth
1 Corinthians 11:28
“28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion Self Examination Discernment
1 Corinthians 11:30
“30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
John 6:51
“51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion Food
1 Corinthians 11:27-29
“27 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.28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
2 Corinthians 13:14
“14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Attitude Reaping Creativity
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“23 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:24 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.25 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.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
1 Corinthians 11:27
“27 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.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
John 17:21
“21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-30
“23 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:24 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.25 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.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.27 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.28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
Revelation 3:20
“20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Fidelity Reputation Doors Hope
Luke 24:30
“30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
2 Corinthians 6:14
“14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Isaiah 53:5
“5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Related Themes: Healing Health Peace Sickness Forgiveness
John 6:33
“33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.”
Related Themes: Holy Communion
Matthew 26:29
“29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Related Themes: Addiction
