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What is Holy Communion in Christianity? – Viral Believer
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What is Holy Communion in Christianity?

Introduction

Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is one of the most important and sacred sacraments in the Christian faith. It is a symbolic representation of the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples before his crucifixion, and it serves as a remembrance of his sacrifice for humanity. Christians around the world participate in Holy Communion as a way to renew their faith and to commemorate the sacrifice that Jesus made for them.

The origins of Holy Communion can be traced back to the Last Supper, which is recorded in the New Testament. Over time, the practice of sharing bread and wine as a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice developed into the sacrament of Holy Communion. It became an essential part of Christian worship and was incorporated into the liturgy of various Christian denominations. Today, Holy Communion remains a fundamental part of Christian worship and is practiced in various forms by Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestant churches.

In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and symbolism of Holy Communion, its theological significance, and the preparation and procedures for the Communion Service. We will also examine the different interpretations of Holy Communion among Christian denominations and the historical background of this important sacrament. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or simply curious about this sacred practice, this blog post will provide valuable insights and information about Holy Communion in Christianity.

communion in the Bible

Historical Background of Holy Communion

The origins of Holy Communion can be traced back to the Last Supper, which is recorded in the New Testament. According to the Gospel of Matthew 26:26-28, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is My body.” He then took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Over time, the practice of sharing bread and wine as a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice developed into the sacrament of Holy Communion. It became an essential part of Christian worship and was incorporated into the liturgy of various Christian denominations. The form and manner of the Communion Service have changed over the centuries, depending on the different Christian denominations.

Meaning and Symbolism of Holy Communion

Holy Communion is a symbolic representation of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity. The bread and wine used in the Communion Service represent Jesus’ body and blood, which were given and shed for the remission of sins. The act of partaking in Holy Communion is an act of faith and a declaration of one’s belief in Jesus’ sacrifice.

Bread

The bread used in the Communion Service represents Jesus’ body, which was broken for us. The bread symbolizes unity and community and reflects the idea that Christians are part of one body, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17).

Wine

The wine used in the Communion Service represents Jesus’ blood, which was shed for us. The wine symbolizes the forgiveness of sins and reflects the idea that Jesus’ sacrifice was made for the redemption of humanity.

Theological Significance of Holy Communion

Theological interpretations of Holy Communion vary among Christian denominations. Some of the most common interpretations are:

Catholic and Orthodox Churches

Catholic and Orthodox Churches believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation. This doctrine holds that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ during the Communion Service. They also view the Eucharist as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Protestant Churches

Protestant Churches, on the other hand, generally do not believe in transubstantiation. They view the Communion Service as a symbolic representation of Jesus’ sacrifice. They emphasize the personal relationship with Christ that is expressed through the act of partaking in Communion.

Preparation for Holy Communion

Christians who wish to participate in Holy Communion should prepare themselves spiritually and mentally. This includes reflecting on one’s relationship with Christ and seeking forgiveness for sins. It also involves examining one’s heart to ensure that there is no unconfessed sin or resentment towards others (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Approaching the Communion Table with reverence and a humble heart is essential. Christians should understand that the Communion Service is a solemn occasion and should be approached as such.

The Communion Service

The Communion Service is typically conducted during a church service and involves the following steps:

  1. A prayer of thanksgiving and consecration is offered over the bread and wine, asking God to bless and sanctify them for the Communion Service.
  2. The bread is broken, and a portion is distributed to each participant. The minister may recite the words of Jesus from the Last Supper: “Take, eat; this is My body.”
  3. The cup is then passed around, and each participant drinks from it. The minister may recite the words of Jesus from the Last Supper: “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
  4. A time of silent reflection and prayer may follow the distribution of the bread and wine.
  5. A final prayer is offered, and the service ends with a hymn or song of praise.

Some churches may have variations to this service, such as the use of leavened or unleavened bread, the use of a common cup, or the use of individual cups. However, the basic elements of the service are the same: the bread and wine, the prayers of thanksgiving and consecration, the distribution of the bread and wine, and a time of silent reflection and prayer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Holy Communion is a central and sacred sacrament in the Christian faith. It serves as a symbolic representation of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity and a way to renew and strengthen one’s faith. The act of partaking in Holy Communion is an act of faith and a declaration of one’s belief in Jesus’ sacrifice, and it is a reminder of the unity that Christians share with one another.

Whether one interprets the Communion Service as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice or a symbolic representation of it, the Communion Service is an essential part of Christian worship. It has evolved over time, and there are variations in practice and interpretation among different Christian denominations. Nonetheless, the basic elements of the service remain the same: the bread and wine, the prayers of thanksgiving and consecration, the distribution of the bread and wine, and a time of silent reflection and prayer.

As Christians participate in Holy Communion, they remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for them and renew their faith in him. Holy Communion is a powerful reminder of the love that God has for us and the hope that we have in him. It is an act of humility and reverence, and it is a declaration of one’s belief in Jesus’ sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Holy Communion serves as a unifying force among Christians and a way to strengthen the bond between the faithful and God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.