Communion is a vital aspect of life within the church. It is an act through which we "remember the work of the Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 11:23-26). There are many important provisions involved in the communion meal. Through this lesson, we will explore both the meaning and benefits of partaking of the covenant meal.

1. What Is The Meaning Of The Word "Communion"?

        The word means "act of sharing, communication, unity, concord, agreement, joint participation."

   
   

2. What Is The Origin Of The Communion Meal?

   1. The Old Testament records that God gave Israel a command to observe three feasts during the year. "The Passover" was the first feast of the year. This feast served as a reminder to Israel of their deliverance, by God, from Egyptian bondage. The feast centered around the blood and body of a lamb - (Exodus 12:1-14)

   2. Jesus kept this same feast with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion - (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 15-20)

   3. Jesus transformed this last Passover Feast into the "communion meal" which the church celebrates today.

   4. Jesus Christ's body and blood was the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb.

      1. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" - (John 1:29)

      2. Jesus Christ called "Our Passover" - (I Corinthians 5:7)

      3. Jesus Christ called the "lamb without spot or blemish" - (I Peter 1:19)

   5. Paul received a distinct revelation concerning the covenant meal - (I Corinthians 11:23-32)

   
   

3. What Do The Elements Of Communion Represent?

   1. The Bread:

      1. Jesus' body, which He allowed to be broken for us - (Luke 22:19)

      2. The body of Christ as the Church Universal of which each believer is a part - (I Corinthians 10:16-17, I Corinthians 12L12-13)

      3. By partaking of the bread we acknowledge participation in the sacrifice of the cross - (Galations 2:20, 6:14, Romans 6:6,11)

      4. Bread literally means "loaf". A loaf is risen or leavened bread.

         1. Leaven is a substance used to raise something.

         2. Unleavened bread will never rise, it is tasteless; it has no life.

         3. The bread Jesus partook of was leavened bread (Young's) - (Mark 14:22-28, Matthew 26:26-32)

         4. Jesus is referred to as the "Bread of Life", able to give eternal life (John 6:32-35, 48-51, 53, 58). Only risen, or leavened, bread has life and taste. This is why we use leavened bread when we partake of Communion. It represents the risen Christ and the life eternal we have through Him!

   2. The Wine:

      1. Christ's Blood:

         1. Of the New Covenant - (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:11-14)

         2. Shed on behalf of many - (Matthew 26:28, 20:28)

         3. For forgiveness of sins - (Matthew 26:28, Romans 5:9, I John 1:7, Ephesians 1:7)

   
   

4. How Are We To Receive Communion?

   1. As a believer: Because it shows a sharing in the body and blood of the Lord, the communicant must have experientially received the atoning work of Christ in his life (must be "born again").

   2. One must not partake in an unworthy manner and must:

      1. Examine (or prove) himself - (I Corinthians 1:28)

      2. Properly discern what the supper represents and be living a life consistent with what it represents - (I Corinthians 11:29)

   3. What are the benefits of communion?

      1. When we drink the cup, we share in the blood of Christ - (I Corinthians 10:16)

      2. We are all made to drink of one spirit - (I Corinthians 12:13)

      3. As we partake of communion, we drink a cup of blessing - (I Corinthians 10:16)

      4. Staying healthy is a provision - (I Corinthians 11:23-32)

   4. Consequences of Drinking Unworthily:

      1. Guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

      2. Eats and drinks judgment upon himself.

      3. Will reap weakness and sickness.

     We see communion represents partaking of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is not a mere ritual. As we eat His body and drink His blood, we are cleansed from our sin and sickness. It also makes us partakers of His life eternal!

1. What is the origin of the communion meal?
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2. What does the bread represent?
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3. What does the wine represent?
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4. How do we prepare to receive communion?
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5. What are the benefits of communion?
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     If you have not already done so, please consider trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. For more information on Salvation Click Here to view "How can I get to Heaven?"

     

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Last modified: 10/23/2002