Holy Communion.

Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, or the Breaking of Bread) is one of the most sacred and central practices of the Christian faith. It is a sacrament—a holy ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ Himself as a perpetual reminder of His sacrifice.

Here is a comprehensive overview of its meaning, basis, and practice.

1. The Biblical Institution

Holy Communion was established by Jesus during the Passover meal with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. The accounts are found in three Gospels and the writings of Paul:

· Matthew 26:26-28: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave 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.’"

· 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: The Apostle Paul passes on this tradition, adding the crucial command: "Do this in remembrance of me." He also states that by participating, "you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

2. The Different Names and Their Meanings

The various names for this rite highlight its different aspects:

· Communion (or Holy Communion): From the Greek koinonia, meaning "fellowship" or "participation." It signifies our fellowship with Christ and with one another as the body of believers (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

· The Lord's Supper: Emphasizes that it is a meal instituted by the Lord Jesus, connecting it to the Last Supper.

· Eucharist: From the Greek word eucharisteo, meaning "to give thanks." This name highlights the prayer of thanksgiving offered over the bread and wine.

· Breaking of Bread: A simple, early church term for the practice (Acts 2:42).

3. The Significance and Meaning

Communion is a multi-faceted act with profound theological meaning:

· A Memorial (Remembrance): It is first and foremost a command to remember Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross—His body broken for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. It is a vivid, tangible way to recall the core of the Gospel.

· A Proclamation: Every time we take Communion, we "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). It is a testimony to the world and a reminder to ourselves of the foundation of our faith.

· A Participation (Communion): Believers spiritually participate in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). It is a means of receiving God's grace, strengthening our union with Christ.

· A Covenant Renewal: Jesus called the cup "my blood of the covenant." It recalls the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, sealed by Christ's blood, which offers forgiveness and a new heart.

· A Foretaste of the Future: The phrase "until he comes" points to the future Messianic banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven. Communion is a hopeful anticipation of the great feast we will share with Jesus face-to-face (Revelation 19:9).

4. Different Christian Views on the Elements

The nature of the bread and wine has been a point of theological difference among Christian traditions. The main views are:

View Description Tradition

Transubstantiation The belief that the substance of the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ, while the appearances (accidents) of bread and wine remain. Roman Catholic

Real Presence Christ is spiritually and truly present "in, with, and under" the elements. The body and blood are received orally by all communicants, but the bread and wine are not physically transformed. Lutheran

Spiritual Presence Christ is spiritually present, and believers partake of Him by faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. The elements remain bread and wine but are a means of receiving grace. Reformed (Presbyterian, etc.)

Memorialism The bread and wine are symbolic reminders of Christ's sacrifice. The focus is on the believer's faith and obedience in remembrance, not on any change in the elements. Baptist, Anabaptist, Evangelical

5. Practice and Preparation

The Bible gives a serious warning about taking Communion in an unworthy manner.

· Self-Examination: Participants are called to examine themselves, confess their sins, and be reconciled to God and others before partaking (1 Corinthians 11:27-32).

· Discernment of the Body: This means recognizing the sacredness of the meal and understanding the unity of the church as the body of Christ.

· Who Can Participate? Generally, it is open to all baptized believers who have put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Some traditions (like Catholicism) have more specific requirements for membership.

In summary, Holy Communion is a holy gift from God. It is a profound act of remembrance, a participation in Christ's life, a proclamation of the Gospel, a sign of unity among believers, and a hopeful look toward eternity. It connects us to the past (the cross), the present (our fellowship with Christ), and the future (His return).