5 Communion Practices Based on Biblical Principles

Introduction to Communion Practices

Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper, is a fundamental Christian practice rooted deeply in biblical principles. Its origin traces back to Jesus Christ's Last Supper with His disciples, an event detailed in the Gospels of the New Testament. This ceremony is a profound expression of faith, a memorial of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and a celebration of the covenant between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. Through biblical exegesis and traditional practices, several key principles emerge that can guide believers in partaking of this sacred tradition. Here, we explore five fundamental communion practices based on biblical teachings.

1. Observance in Remembrance of Christ

The primary purpose of communion is to remember Jesus Christ — His life, death, resurrection, and promise of return. This is based on Luke 22:19, where Jesus instructs His disciples during the Last Supper, saying, "Do this in remembrance of Me." This directive forms the bedrock of the communion practice, ensuring it is conducted with a focus on Christ’s sacrifice and love.

• Preparation of the heart: Believers should approach communion with reverence and introspection, examining their hearts and confessing sins (1 Corinthians 11:28-29).
• Proclamation of faith: Each act of communion is a public statement of faith in Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the believer’s acceptance of His grace.

2. Use of Bread and Wine

The elements used during communion – bread and wine – are symbolic and hold significant theological importance, echoing Jesus' Last Supper actions. In Matthew 26:26-28, Jesus breaks bread and takes the cup, assigning them as representations of His body and blood. These elements symbolize Christ’s sacrifice which facilitates a new covenant with God.

• Sanctity of symbols: While denominations may differ in their understanding of the nature of these elements (literal or symbolic), the sanctity of the bread and wine as symbols of Jesus' sacrifice remains central.
• Inclusivity in participation: The sharing of bread and wine reflects the unity and equality of all members before God, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith.

3. Recurrence as a Covenant Renewal

Regular participation in communion is advocated in scriptures, although the exact frequency is not biblically mandated. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early church breaking bread together with glad and sincere hearts daily, indicating the importance of frequent communion in maintaining community and spiritual vitality. Each communion service is a renewal of the covenant made through Christ, reiterating the believer's ongoing relationship with Christ.

• Continual remembrance: Regular observance keeps the memory of Christ's sacrifice vivid in the believer’s mind, continually renewing faith and dedication.
• Communal bond: Frequent participation strengthens the bonds within the community of believers, building a unified body of Christ.

4. Context of a Worshipful Gathering

Communion is not merely a ritual but an integral part of Christian worship and should be conducted within the context of a gathering dedicated to glorifying God. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 underscores the importance of proper decorum and unity among believers during communion, as it is a testament to the church’s reverence for God and His sacraments.

• Worship integration: Communion should be seamlessly integrated into the broader worship service, accompanied by prayers, hymns, and sermons that focus on the themes of redemption and grace.
• Community reflection: The communal aspect highlights the collective acknowledgment of Christ's redemptive work, reinforcing the unity among believers.

5. Open and Inclusive to All Believers

Communion is open to all who profess faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background or denominational affiliation. This practice is based on the principle that the body of Christ is made up of many parts, yet is one entity (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Including all believers highlights the inclusiveness of the gospel and unites diverse individuals under the commonality of Christ’s sacrifice.

• Invitation to partake: Churches should encourage all baptized believers who confess Christ as Lord to participate in communion, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual unity.
• Guard against exclusion: Care must be taken to avoid practices or attitudes that might exclude believers based on non-biblical criteria, thereby maintaining the integrity and unity of the church.

Conclusion

These five communion practices based on biblical principles not only respect the tradition's origins but also enhance its relevance and power in contemporary Christian worship. By embracing these practices, churches can ensure that their observation of communion remains a deeply meaningful, inclusive, and transformative experience, fostering greater unity in the body of Christ and closer personal communion with God through Christ. As followers of Christ continue to "do this in remembrance of me," they re-affirm their faith, celebrate redemption, and anticipate the joyful communion with Christ in eternity.