Communion

"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? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." - 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

We remember how the Lord gave His flesh on the cross so that we could have life. We remember His mercy on us to take our place of punishment for our sins. We remember His forgiveness.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51

We remember the cup of suffering Jesus drank. We remember the blood Jesus shed for our sins.

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." - Matthew 26:39

Jesus told His disciples to remember Him – His suffering and death - when they would take the cup of the fruit of the vine.

"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:25

Whenever we take communion, it is a reminder not only of Christ’s death, but also of our own commitment to keep our sinful nature under control, dead to sin and alive to God.

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." - 1 Corinthians 11:26

When we repent, we crucify our flesh. When we are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, we bury our old sinful nature. Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (the sign being speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance), we receive God’s resurrecting power to live a new, holy life, ready to meet Jesus in the resurrection. (See: Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4, Rom. 6, 1 Thess. 4:13-18)

"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 11:27

We are worthy because we have repented of our sins and have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name. We are worthy by His Holy Spirit within us, the Holy Ghost.

"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." - 1 Corinthians 11:28-30

When we prepare for communion we examine ourselves. By repentance, we must cleanse ourselves of any sins we have committed and any unforgiveness we have towards others. Jesus has forgiven us – we must forgive others, not asking for justice for their wrongdoings, but rather mercy, as we have received mercy.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke 23:34

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1

When we examine ourselves, we judge ourselves of any sin in us and repent of it. By godly sorrow of our sins, we are disciplined. By His mercy, we are forgiven.

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world {which lacks repentance} worketh death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10

"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." - 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

When we take of the bread and drink of the cup, we do it in remembrance of Christ. When we remember Christ, we remember his mercy, love, and forgiveness for us. With our communion with Jesus, we are able to share His mercy and love by the gospel to the whole world.