Communion; the Lord’s Supper; also called the Eucharist.
**A Note upfront: This guide represents the Baptistic tradition and conviction.
Our Lord Jesus instituted two sacred practices, called Ordinances, for the New Testament Church to observe on a regular basis: Baptism and Communion.
Baptism is a one-time act of obedience whereby we physically identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection in our place for our sin (Rm. 6). Baptists convictionally hold to and practice Baptism by Immersion on the basis of one’s personal testimony of salvation (often called credobaptism).
Communion is an ongoing, repeated act of faith where the Church reminds itself of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus, broken and poured out for our salvation.
“The Lord’s death is to be remembered sacramentally until He comes…”
Consider the following Scriptural texts:
Matthew 26:26-29, “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
Acts 2:42, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
1 Cor. 11:23-26, “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”
In his classic book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer notes that the Church is at its best and most intimate moment of true fellowship when it properly unites around the bread and wine of the Communion Table. But, in order for the Church to achieve the fellowship the Lord provides at the Communion Table, we must each come to that Table prepared.
In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.”
This guide is meant to help you understand and prepare for Communion: What the Supper is, how we should prepare ourselves for it, and how we should teach and involve our children.
1. Communion is an Act of Unity for the Gathered Church Body.
While various denominations practice the Lord’s Table differently, it is important to understand the heart of the New Testament’s teaching on Communion: which is that Communion is an act of the gathered Church body (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). In fact, the context of 1 Cor. 11 would have us understand Communion as an act of Church unity. It is, therefore, not an action to be done in private or in private devotion.
Paul says, “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat…” (1 Cor. 11:17)
The context of Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 11 is the physically gathered Church receiving the meal of Communion. Nowhere does the New Testament present Communion as an act of private devotion, nor does it give any indication of it being done apart from a congregation.
For these reasons, we do not affirm those acts of Communion performed apart from the gathered body (Special consideration for shut-ins would not fall under this category). Communion is thus not appropriate for weddings, small group Bible studies, last rites, or any other activity that does not include the gathered Church body.
2. Communion is an Act Only for Believers in Jesus Christ.
Communion is a thoroughly spiritual act, but it is not a saving act. Partaking of the bread and the cup does not make us right with God. There is only one thing that makes us right with God, and that is repenting of our sins and believing in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rm. 10:9-13).
While the Table itself is full of supernatural meaning, the bread and the cup do not become something mystical when Communion is observed (Baptists hold a position contrary to Catholic and other Eastern practices that teach the transformation of the elements into the body and blood of Christ). The meaning and power of Communion is in what it represents: The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose real presence meets and dwells with us by the power of His Holy Spirit.
Paul writes, “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
Being a thoroughly Christian act, it would be improper for an unbeliever to partake in a sacred activity that proclaims something he/she does not believe. Furthermore, Paul gives explicit warnings against taking the Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Cor. 11:29-30). And to take of the Supper without faith would certainly be an unworthy manner.
**A note on Baptism: For the most part, admittance to the Lord’s Table typically follows Baptism. Throughout Church history, Baptism by immersion has often been a requirement for receiving Communion. And while we affirm that Baptism should typically precede a Christian’s participation in Communion, it is not a biblical requirement.
3. Preparing Ourselves for Communion.
First things first, we have to know when Communion is going to take place. Some Churches celebrate the meal every single week, and some do it much less frequently. For guidance, the Church has Christ’s mandate of “do this in remembrance of Me,” along with the various patterns of Church history.
At our Church, we are seeking to have a more routine schedule and will publicize Communion Sundays on our monthly calendars. When our people know when Communion is going to be observed, they have the opportunity and time to prepare before coming to the Table.
The New Testament clearly instructs us to prepare ourselves when coming to the Table of the Lord. Paul writes, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Cor. 11:29).
We must note the heart of Paul’s teaching on personal examination, which is for us to search out our own hearts as they truly are before the Lord (Ps. 139:23-24). We can present ourselves to one another however we like, but the Lord sees and knows the true state of our heart (1 Sam. 16:7). The Lord knows how we come to the Table; He knows whether we come to His Table hiding or hating our sin. We will never come to the Table perfect on this side of heaven, but we must always come in true repentance and faith.
Thomas Watson offers these helpful guidelines for examining ourselves. We must come to the Table of the Lord…
1- With Self-examining hearts, looking upon ourselves truly in the Light of God’s Word knowing that God Himself examines us fully.
2 - With Serious hearts: We are coming to the Table of the crucified Lord.
3 - With Intelligent hearts: We come knowing what we are doing; “discerning the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 14:15).
4 - With Desiring hearts: Understanding what Christ has done, we come to the Table desiring to receive what He provides.
5 - With Repentant hearts: Our souls are pierced with the convictions of our sin, and so we come to the Table to receive the sweetness of Christ’s salvation.
6 - With Sincere hearts: We come with an honest desire to commune with the Lord by faith.
7 - With Hearts that Love Jesus truly.
And so, Watson right instructs us,“Take heed of rashness and irreverence. If we do not come prepared, we do not drink, but spill Christ’s blood.”
Should I Ever Abstain from Communion?
There are certainly times when it is good and right for Christians to abstain from the Holy Table. Taking Communion is not what saves us, but we ought not take it lightly either. It is one of the two ordinances our Lord gave us to obey (Baptism and Communion).
But, as Paul clearly warns in 1 Cor. 11:29-30, taking the Lord’s meal in an unworthy manner may result in divine punishment. “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” Therefore, if you know that you are living in direct disobedience to our Lord or His Word, if you know that you are in open violation of Scripture, it is far better to abstain from the Table until you have repented and returned to the Lord. But do not wait. Repent and return. He is faithful to forgive and restore.
4. How Should I Teach My Kids about Communion?
Communion is a wonderful teaching tool for our children, and we should welcome them to watch and ask questions. But unless our children have come to a personal and saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, it is best to teach them through observation only (See Exodus 12:24-27 as an example of parental teaching). Have them watch and pay attention, talk with them about the Supper before and after, but as the elements approach, remind your children to observe but not participate.
We want our children to approach the Lord freely and with joy (Mt. 19:13-15), but we must also maintain the sacred nature of the Holy Table according to the express teachings of our Lord in His Word (1 Cor. 11:29-30).
5 - What We Have in Communion.
A final thing to note is the very rich and deep treasures that the Christian Church finds at the Table of the Lord Jesus Christ.
To summarize, at the Lord's Table…
We have a great and ongoing reminder of Christ’s great sacrifice for our souls (1 Cor. 11:25)
We share in the great sacrifice of Christ’s body and blood given for our sins (Matt. 26:26-28).
We share in the sacred Manna from heaven given to feed our souls and heals our infirmities (Mal. 4:2).
We share the foreshadowing of the great wedding feast that is to come in glory (Matt. 26:29; Rev. 20).
We find the finest wheat and sweet honey from the Rock of Christ (Ps. 81).
We share in the unity that Christ achieved by the blood of His cross (1 Cor. 11).
We learn to trust God’s love and salvation in the midst of discipline and rebuke (Jon. 2:4; Mt. 15:28).
We are reminded again that Christ can save all people; even sinners like us (Heb. 12:24) .
We find heaven’s help for our weak and struggling faith (1 Cor. 11).
We find the promise of forgiveness renewed once again (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 9:12).
We find the help of comfort in sorrow and strength in weakness (Zech. 10:12).
We find our Lord’s compassion that subdues our iniquities (Mic. 7:19).
We find the way to the throne of God’s grace opened to us once again (Heb. 4).
In Summary…
Communion is an act of the gathered Church body.
Communion is a thoroughly Christian act, and is, therefore, only for believers in Jesus Christ.
Communion is something for which we prepare ourselves.
Communion is for those children who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Communion is full of spiritual treasure.
“The Lord will give us a foretaste here at the Communion Table, but reserves the after-taste of true glory for the kingdom of heaven.”
-Thomas Watson
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