Since the first century, the very first Christians have been celebrating what we have come to know as Communion. It is a dedicated time of remembrance of the life and suffering of Christ, represented by two simple elements, the bread and the cup. Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is one of two sacraments instituted by Christ. The other is baptism. Christ instituted it this way:

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered 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. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:26-29).

The meaning of the Lord’s Supper is complex, rich and full. It is a reminder of Christ’s death; it gives us a visual representation of the depths of His sacrifice. When we partake of the bread, it reminds us of His body, which was beaten and broken for us. The cup reminds us of the blood that poured out, the blood that was an atonement* for our sins. Communion is also a reminder that we participate in the benefits of Christ’s death. He invites us, “Drink from it, all of you.”  It reminds us of the great generosity of God, and the lengths that he suffered to offer us free salvation. Finally, when we partake in Communion, it affirms our faith in Christ and gives a clear sign of our unity as believers. As the apostle Paul says, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of one bread” (I Corinthians 10:17). 

Communion is reserved for those who have a relationship with Christ and have believed in him for salvation. It is impossible for someone to remember Christ’s death and suffering on the cross for our sins if they have not believed it. Before taking Communion, there should be a time of self-examination, that we would eat and drink in a worthy manner, since the elements being represented are so sacred (I Corinthians 11:27-29).

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