Christian Communion

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Communion
Communion

 

After you have been attending worship for some time, you may notice that your church periodically celebrates a very special event. This event includes the receiving of bread and wine or grape juice. We call this event "The Lord's Supper", "Communion" or the "Eucharist".  Unlike baptism, which is a one-time event, Communion is a practice that is meant to be observed over and over throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship when we corporately come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us.

What is Communion?   

What do the elements used in the Lord's Supper sybolize? 

  • The bread represents the body of Jesus Christ who was wounded, broken, spit upon and pierced for us. Isaiah 53:4-5
  • The wine represents the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all sin. 1 Corinthians 10:16 [In the Church of the Nazarene, we use grape juice instead of wine.] 

There are three common beliefs that are taught within various religious groups.

  • Transubstantiation: this is the belief that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of the Lord at the moment they are taken.
  • Consubstantiation: this is the belief that Christ enters into the body at the moment of drinking the wine and eating the bread.
  • Commemoration: We believe that the Bible teaches the Lord's Supper is a commemorative or reminder of what Christ did for us by his death on the cross. The bread and the wine symbolizethe body and blood of Jesus Christ. 

What are we reminded of when we take the Lord's Supper? 

  • That we have received eternal redemption by the death of Jesus Christ. Christ died in our place. Hebrews 9:12
  • That the new covenant, [similar to the covenant God made with Israel], declares our freedom from slavery to sin and our adoption as children of God. 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15-17; 10:16 
  • That we have communion with each other in the church and with all fellow Christians.
Who should take Communion?

 

  • All members of the body of Christ, who have been born again, who have been identified totally with the master, and who have become part of Christ church. Acts 2:41-42, 1 Corinthians 11:27-31
  • If an individual realizes that he is not in good relationship with the Lord and that he does not want to submit to the Lord's will he should abstain from taking Communion.
  • Some individuals choose to take Communion when they realize they have not been in a good relationship with the Lord and they desire to make a new commitment to Him.
What is our responsibility when we receive Communion?