Today we will talk about Bible Verses About Taking Communion. Many Christians may not fully grasp the significance and spiritual depth behind this sacred act. Communion is more than just a ritual; it’s a profound communion between us, our faith, and God. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice while fostering a close-knit community among believers. As we delve into the Word of God and meditate on these verses, let’s open our hearts to understanding the essence of Communion in our lives.
Bible Verses About Taking Communion
The Institution of Communion
In this subtopic, we reflect on the origins of Communion, where Jesus established it as a practice for believers. During the Last Supper, Jesus took ordinary bread and wine and transformed them into extraordinary symbols of His body and blood. This act showed us the importance of remembering His sacrifice whenever we partake in Communion. It lays a foundation for our understanding of this sacred act. As we embrace Communion, we remember the selfless love Jesus demonstrated on the cross, uniting us in faith and fellowship.
Luke 22:19-20
“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 the 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
Matthew 26:26-28
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” – Matthew 26:26-28
Mark 14:22-24
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.’” – Mark 14:22-24
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, 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 the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
John 6:53-54
“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.’” – John 6:53-54
The Spiritual Significance of Communion
Communion isn’t just a physical act; it has deep spiritual implications for us as believers. It acts as our reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, which grants us forgiveness and new life. Through this sacred practice, we symbolize our connection with Jesus and affirm our faith in Him. The act of taking Communion allows us to remember that through Him, we are made whole. As we participate, we spiritually nourish ourselves, acknowledging that Christ lives in us and unites us as a body of believers.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” – 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Romans 8:17
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2
The Call to Self-Examination
As we engage in taking Communion, it is essential for us to take a moment to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. The Bible encourages us to examine ourselves honestly before participating. This self-examination helps us identify any barriers, sin, or unresolved issues that may hinder our connection with the Lord and others. By approaching Communion with a repentant heart, we embrace the opportunity to reconcile and grow in our faith. It’s a powerful reminder of how we should continually strive for unity and purity in our lives.
1 Corinthians 11:28
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” – 1 Corinthians 11:28
Psalms 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalms 139:23-24
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
The Unifying Aspect of Communion
Communion serves not only as individual nourishment but also as a powerful communal experience. When we partake together, we signify our unity in Christ. It reminds us that we are part of one body in the broader Christian community. As we share the bread and wine, we build bonds of love and fellowship with one another, celebrating our shared faith. By recognizing this unifying aspect of Communion, we reflect on the roles we each play in lifting one another up and supporting our fellow believers as a family in Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:4-6
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Romans 12:4-5
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:4-5
The Role of Faith in Communion
Faith is a key ingredient that shapes our experience during Communion. As we partake in the bread and cup, we do so through faith, believing in the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. Our faith reassures us that as we remember Him, we can also embrace His love and grace. It deepens our reliance on God and enables us to approach the table with a humble and open heart. Drawing from this faith, we not only remember what Christ did for us, but we also enter into a deeper relationship with Him and create space for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'” – Matthew 17:20
John 14:13-14
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” – John 14:13-14
1 Peter 1:8-9
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9
The Importance of Gratitude During Communion
Gratitude plays a crucial role as we partake in Communion. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the gift of salvation. The bread and cup remind us of God’s immense love, and as we come to the table, we should express our appreciation for His grace and mercy. Fostering a heart of gratitude enriches our experience, allowing us to acknowledge the many blessings life offers. This attitude helps us focus on God’s goodness, flooding our hearts with joy and peace as we remember what Christ has done for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Psalms 95:2
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalms 95:2
Psalms 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalms 136:1
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
The Anticipation of Christ’s Return
When we celebrate Communion, we don’t just reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice; we also look forward with hope to His second coming. The act of Communion serves as a reminder that one day we will share a heavenly feast with Him. In this expectation, we find encouragement and purpose, knowing that our faith ties us to something greater than ourselves. It strengthens us to endure the challenges of life as we await our Savior’s return, enhancing our communion with Christ and one another in anticipation of the joy that is yet to come.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Revelation 19:9
“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.'” – Revelation 19:9
Matthew 26:29
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” – Matthew 26:29
Luke 22:18
“For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” – Luke 22:18
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20
The Call to Love and Serve Others
As we engage in Communion, we should also reflect on how love and service play significant roles in our Christian walk. Jesus exemplified love with His sacrifice, and taking Communion inspires us to do the same for others. It calls us to serve our neighbors in humility and compassion, promoting unity within our community of faith. By embracing this lifestyle of love and service, we honor the true meaning of Communion that extends beyond the meal, teaching us to live out our faith in action among those around us.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored Bible Verses About Taking Communion, we’ve dissected various aspects that deepen our understanding of this sacred act. From its origins to its spiritual significance, we’ve seen how taking Communion binds us together and enhances our relationship with God and each other. Our participation encourages self-examination, gratitude, unity, and anticipation of Christ’s return. It calls us to a life marked by love and service to others, embodying the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Let us hold these truths close to our hearts and approach each Communion with awareness and reverence.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
