Communion is one of the most important practices in Christianity and has been celebrated since it was first instituted by Jesus Christ Himself at the Last Supper. It’s a chance to come together in prayer and reverence while consuming the body of Christ. Since this is such a sacred act, scripture provides some guidance on who may take communion. This article explores the Bible’s views on who is allowed to partake in this special event, noting the different considerations for each denomination.
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have a broad view of who can receive communion. In general, they allow any baptized Christian who is deemed to be in a state of grace – i.e. leading a life according to the teachings of the Church, free from any serious sin – to partake in the Eucharist. This includes children as young as 7 years old, who may be admitted to communion once they have been properly prepared.
In the biblical sense, however, communion is specifically tied to Christian believers who are in an active relationship with Jesus Christ. This is made clear in the New Testament, which suggests that communion is only for those who are living according to the teachings of the Lord. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers,” says the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14. “For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Therefore, come out from them and be separate.”
At its core, the bible teaches us that communion is a privilege that is to be enjoyed by true believers. Therefore, those who reject salvation in Jesus Christ should not partake in it. It is not a habit or a tradition to be treated lightly. The Bible is more than clear on this matter and has very specific guidelines as to who can take communion.
The Baptist Church has a separate perspective on who can partake in the Eucharist. They view it as a sacrament, meaning that it is only to be taken by those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and are living a life according to the teachings of the Scriptures. This means that, unlike the Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Baptist Church does not allow children to take communion until they understand what it symbolizes and are baptized.
In addition, the Baptist Church believes that communion should only be taken by members of their own congregation. This is based on 1 Corinthians 10:17, which states “For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” As such, the Church does not allow non-Baptists to participate in the Eucharist.
Ultimately, the Bible’s guidelines on communion are quite specific and clear. Every denomination has their own views on who may take communion, but in general it should only be an act of life-giving faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, those who are unbaptized or do not accept his loving Lordship, should not take communion.
What Are The Biblical Reasons For Taking Communion?
The Bible provides several reasons for why Christians should take communion. As Jesus said in Matthew 26:27-28 – “Take, eat; this is My body…This is My blood of the covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” In this passage, the purpose of communion is clearly to forgive sins, and to provide a sense of unity amongst all believers.
In addition, communion is a reminder of the price that Jesus paid for our salvation. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 – “This is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Communion is a simple reminder of what Jesus did for us, and should bring Christians closer together in their faith.
Furthermore, communion is seen as a spiritual nourishment for believers. Jesus said in John 6:53-54: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Here, Jesus is teaching us that we are nurtured and fed by His body and blood. This spiritual food can only be found in communion, and serves as a reminder of what He gave us.
Finally, communion is a chance to celebrate the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a special time to remember why we are saved and how Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. This is why Jesus commanded us to do this in remembrance of Him in Luke 22:19. In this verse, Jesus said – “This do in remembrance of Me.”
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Communion?
By taking Communion, believers can receive many spiritual benefits. For starters, the act of taking communion can help believers to develop a deeper understanding of the gospel, and to grow in their faith. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 – “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said: ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” In this passage, the importance of remembering our Lord’s death and resurrection is highlighted.
By taking communion, we recognize the sacrifice Jesus made for us and gain a greater appreciation of His love for us. It subsequently affects how we live our lives and helps us lead more Christ-centered lives. As Jesus says in John 15:4-5 – “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Finally, taking communion also helps us to stay encouraged in our faith and love for God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:16 – “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” Here, Paul immediately follows up with a reminder to believers when taking communion – “For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of the one bread.” This is to emphasize that, by taking communion, we are being united with Christ and with each other.
What Are The Benefits Of Participating In Communion?
Participating in Communion is also a great way to gain spiritual and physical benefits. First and foremost, taking communion is a reminder of salvation and of Christ’s love for us. As 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 states – “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” Thus, taking Communion should remind us of our faith and of the death and resurrection of Christ.
Secondly, participating in communion can also help to build and strengthen relationships among believers. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” Communion is a time for believers to come together and enjoy fellowship, as well as to share stories and spiritual insights.
Finally, participating in Communion can also help us to develop a greater sense of unity and understanding among believers. Jesus said in John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” By taking Communion together, believers can become more connected to one another, and to Jesus Christ, and can thus become closer to being unified as the body of Christ.
How Is Communion Taken Biblically?
The Bible provides detailed guidance on how to take communion. In 1 Corinthians 11:26-29, we are told – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” This passage emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves before taking communion, and highlights the gravity of taking communion ‘unworthily’.
In addition, Jesus also made it clear that communal prayer is a crucial part of taking communion. He said in Luke 22:19-20 – “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’” In this passage, Jesus reminded us that communing with God is an integral aspect of communion.
Finally, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of showing love and love when taking communion. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus makes it clear that we should love one another as He loves us, and that we should bring this love to the communion table.
What Are The Physical Forms of Communion?
The physical forms Communion typically takes vary by denomination, but in general it includes bread and wine (or grape juice). The bread is meant to represent the body of Christ, while the wine (or grape juice) is meant to represent the blood of Christ. In some denominations, Communion may also incorporate the use of other physical items, such as unleavened bread or oil. In the Catholic Church, for example, it is customary to break the bread into small pieces for the faithful to consume.
However, regardless of the physical forms of communion, the biblical meaning and purpose remain the same – to remember the
