A Communion is an important ritual known amongst adherents of the Christian faith. The practice is often repeated throughout the life of a Christian, creating a moment during worship where a group of individuals become one to recall and celebrate Christ. In this article, you will encounter why Communion is observed, as well as related references to the Bible.
Why Communion?
There are many different references for Communion, including Holy Communion; The Sacrament of Communion; Bread and Wine (the Elements); The Body and Blood of Christ; The Lord’s Supper; and The Eucharist. If you are a practicing Christian, chances are that you observe Communion for one or more of the following reasons:
In Corinthians, it is stated that Lord instructed his flock to obey His commands and observe Communion: “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.” Remembering Christ and all that He has done in his life for mankind is part of why people observe Communion. It also pays homage to his death and resurrection. Observing Communion allows Christians to examine their ways and character. In Corinthians, “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”
A Christian makes a statement of faith when they observe Communion, as they are making it known that He will return. In Corinthians, it is written: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” Communion also shows a Christian’s participation in the body of Christ. During the ritual, His life becomes their life.
The Significance of Bread and Wine
Bread and wine (or grapes) serves as a representation of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. Bread is used to symbolize life, and is seen as the nourishment that sustains life. In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry.”
Bread also signifies the physical body of Christ and when Jesus broke bread at the Last Supper, he gave his disciples a piece and exclaimed, “This is my body given for you”¦” As for the wine, the beverage is representation of God’s covenant in blood, which is poured out for the sins of mankind. Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Views associated with the bread and wine of a Communion include:
The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ represents a Catholic term called ‘transubstantiation,’ which means during the sacrament of the Holy Communion, where the substance of bread and wine are viewed as being miraculously transformed into the substance of Christ himself. The bread and wine are seen as unchanged elements, but faith causes Christ’s presence to spiritually appear real and through these substances. Used as symbols, the bread and the wine are unchanged, and represent the body and blood of Christ, which serve as a remembrance of Christ’s lasting sacrifice.