The Meaning, Importance, and Yes, Even Dangers of Communion

Introduction

The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is one of the most sacred practices in Christianity. Instituted by Jesus Christ on the night before His crucifixion, Communion is a time of remembrance, thanksgiving, and spiritual nourishment. However, it is also a practice that carries serious warnings when approached irreverently. This article will explore the biblical meaning, the significance for believers, and the potential dangers of participating in Communion unworthily.

The Meaning of Communion

A Memorial of Christ’s Sacrifice
Jesus instituted communion during the Last Supper as a way for His followers to remember His atoning sacrifice. In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus takes the bread and wine, saying:
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” (ESV)

The phrase “Do this in remembrance of me” makes it clear that Communion is not merely a ritual but a solemn commemoration of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation.
A Sign of the New Covenant

The Bible describes Communion as a sign of the new covenant. In 1 Corinthians 11:25, Paul recounts Jesus’ words:
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The new covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is one in which God writes His laws upon the hearts of His people and forgives their sins completely. Jesus’ blood seals this covenant, making reconciliation with God possible for all who believe.

A Means of Spiritual Nourishment

Jesus speaks of Communion in spiritual terms in John 6:53-56:
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.’”
While not directly referring to Communion’s physical elements, this passage points to the deep spiritual sustenance that believers receive through faith in Christ’s sacrifice.

The Importance of Communion

Strengthening Faith and Unity
Paul emphasizes that participating in the Lord’s Supper unites believers with Christ and with one another. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 states:
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
This unity reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, and we are to live in harmony, love, and humility toward one another.

A Time of Self-Examination and Repentance

Paul warns against taking Communion lightly in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28:
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
Self-examination is crucial before partaking in Communion. We are called to confess our sins and renew our commitment to Christ.

Anticipating Christ’s Return

Paul also states that by participating in Communion, believers proclaim Christ’s death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). This reminds us that Communion not only looks back to the cross but also forward to Christ’s second coming when we will share in the great wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

The Dangers of Communion

Taking Communion in an Unworthy Manner
Paul gives a serious warning in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30:
“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.”
This passage indicates that treating Communion lightly, without proper reverence, can bring God’s discipline, including sickness and even death. Some Christian commentators, such as Matthew Henry, suggest that this judgment was a form of divine correction meant to restore believers to repentance.

Participating Without True Faith
Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who outwardly participates in religious practices will enter the kingdom of heaven. Taking Communion without genuine faith in Christ does not bring salvation. Charles Spurgeon warns:
“It is not the act of eating and drinking that saves, but the faith in Christ which that eating and drinking sets forth.” (Sermon No. 1557)
Communion is meant for believers who have truly repented and trusted in Christ.
Using Communion as a Ritual Without Meaning
The Pharisees were rebuked for their religious rituals that lacked true devotion (Mark 7:6-7). In the same way, if believers treat Communion as a mere tradition rather than a heartfelt act of worship, they miss its significance and dishonor Christ’s sacrifice.

Conclusion

Communion is a profound act of remembrance, unity, and anticipation of Christ’s return. It is a time to reflect on His sacrifice, examine our hearts, and strengthen our faith. However, Scripture also warns that partaking in an unworthy manner can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, we must approach the Lord’s Table with reverence, humility, and true faith in Christ.
As A.W. Tozer once said:
“To partake thoughtlessly is to desecrate the body and blood of Christ. But to partake rightly is to be nourished in grace.”
May we always seek to honor the Lord in this sacred practice, embracing its blessings while heeding its warnings.