The practice of regular communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is central to the life of any Christian community, particularly in our Baptist traditions. Communion serves as a symbolic reenactment of the Last Supper and is one of the two ordinances observed in Baptist churches, along with baptism. Rooted deeply in the teachings of Jesus Christ and upheld by centuries of Christian theological thought, regular communion is essential for spiritual nourishment, communal unity, and a continual reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love.

Biblical Foundations of Communion

The foundation for communion is found in the Bible, particularly in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In Matthew 26:26-28, Jesus, during the Last Supper, breaks bread and shares wine with His disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is My body… Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” This moment marks the institution of communion, a practice that Jesus commands His followers to observe regularly.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 records the Apostle Paul recounting Jesus’ words during the Last Supper: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Paul’s recounting not only highlights the importance of remembering Christ’s sacrifice but also emphasizes that this practice is an act of worship, one that should be performed with reverence and reflection.

For Baptists, who adhere to the Bible as the sole authority in faith and practice, these scriptural commands are central. Regular observance of communion is viewed not just as a symbolic act but as a direct obedience to Jesus’ command to “remember” His sacrifice. Baptist theologian John Piper emphasizes this point by stating, “Communion is not an optional tradition for the church. It’s a command from Jesus to keep His sacrifice central in our minds and hearts.”

Communion as Spiritual Nourishment

Communion is not merely a ritual or a symbolic act but also an opportunity for spiritual nourishment and renewal. According to Baptist scholar Wayne Grudem, the Lord’s Supper provides spiritual sustenance, which strengthens believers in their walk with Christ. Grudem explains that while Baptists reject the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, they do affirm the real spiritual presence of Christ during communion. This presence nourishes the believer’s soul and deepens their relationship with Christ.

Through communion, Christians reflect on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which fosters gratitude and humility. The act of eating the bread and drinking the wine represents partaking in Christ’s life and sacrifice, symbolizing the believer’s union with Him. Jesus’ sacrifice brings life, and regular communion helps keep this truth at the forefront of a believer’s life. In John 6:53, Jesus says, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” Though this passage is often interpreted figuratively, it underscores the life-giving nature of communion, pointing to its deep spiritual significance.

Communion and Community

Another vital aspect of communion is its role in fostering unity among believers. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 10:17, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” This scripture illustrates that communion is not only an individual act but also a communal one, symbolizing the unity of the church as the body of Christ.

This communal aspect is incredibly important. The Lord’s Supper serves as a reminder that all believers are united by their shared faith in Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. Baptist theologian Millard Erickson emphasizes that communion is a “unifying experience” that brings the church together, reminding them of their common identity in Christ. By regularly observing communion, the church is strengthened as a unified body, which is essential for fulfilling its mission in the world.

A Reminder of Christ’s Sacrifice and Return

Communion serves not only as a reflection on Christ’s past sacrifice but also as a reminder of His promised return. In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul states, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” Each time believers partake in communion, they are reminded of the hope of Christ’s second coming, living in anticipation of His return to redeem and restore all things.

We emphasize this future-oriented aspect of communion. It is not only a solemn remembrance but also a celebration of the living hope we have in Christ. Theologian A.H. Strong noted that the Lord’s Supper is “a prophecy of the future,” pointing to the eternal feast believers will enjoy with Christ in His kingdom.

Regular communion is essential for maintaining a vibrant Christian life. It serves as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, a source of spiritual nourishment, a symbol of unity within the body of Christ, and a proclamation of hope in Christ’s return. Through communion, believers are drawn closer to God and to one another, continually deepening their faith and commitment to Christ’s teachings.

For these reasons, regular participation in the Lord’s Supper is not just a tradition but a central practice in the life of a believer, serving as both a personal and communal act of worship that keeps the gospel message alive in the hearts and minds of the faithful.