Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, holds a central place in Christian worship and theology. This sacred sacrament involves the consumption of bread and wine (or grape juice) as symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Holy Communion is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, with numerous verses in the Bible highlighting its significance and importance in the life of a believer.
We will explore some of these key Bible verses that provide insights into the origin, meaning, and spiritual significance of Holy Communion in the Christian faith.
Holy Communion Bible verses
Also Read: Bible Verses About Praying Together (with Explanations)
1 Corinthians 11:24-25
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”
These verses from 1 Corinthians emphasize the significance of Holy Communion as an act of remembrance. Jesus Christ used bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood, offering them to his disciples as a tangible connection to his sacrifice.
This practice is a cornerstone of Christian faith, serving as a reminder of Christ’s enduring presence and the new covenant between God and humanity. It underscores the spiritual nourishment and unity with Christ that believers receive through this sacrament.
Luke 22:19-20
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'”
In Luke’s Gospel, the Last Supper is a profound moment where Jesus establishes the practice of Holy Communion. By breaking bread and sharing wine, Jesus symbolizes the sacrifice he is about to make.
This act of sharing is not only a ritual but an invitation to a personal and communal relationship with Christ. Each time believers partake in Communion, they are reminded of the grace, forgiveness, and new life offered through Jesus’ sacrifice.
John 6:53-54
“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, 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 them up at the last day.'”
These verses from John’s Gospel are metaphorical yet powerful. Jesus speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, a direct prelude to the institution of the Eucharist. This stark imagery emphasizes the depth of connection between Jesus and his followers.
Participating in Holy Communion is more than a ritual; it is an act of deeply uniting with Christ, embracing his sacrifice, and securing a place in eternal life.
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.'”
Matthew’s account of the Last Supper highlights the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus’ sacrifice. The breaking of bread and sharing of the cup symbolize Jesus offering himself for the redemption of humanity.
This moment is a call to remember the profound sacrifice made for the forgiveness of sins and to continually participate in the life and community of Christ.
Acts 2:46-47
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
The Acts of the Apostles depict the early Christian community’s practice of breaking bread together, indicating the integral role of Holy Communion in early Christian worship. This act was not only a religious ritual but also a sign of fellowship and communal living.
Their sincerity and unity were evident in their daily gatherings, reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s teachings and the communal aspect of Christian life.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This verse from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the eschatological aspect of Holy Communion. By partaking in the bread and the cup, believers are actively proclaiming the significance of Christ’s death and the hope of His return.
This act serves as a public testament to the faith, a continual reminder of the redemption offered through Christ’s sacrifice, and a future-oriented hope that looks forward to Christ’s second coming. It’s a declaration of faith, not only in the past event of the crucifixion but also in the promised future of Christ’s return.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:21 draws a clear line between allegiance to Christ and participation in pagan practices. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the exclusivity and sanctity of Holy Communion.
Partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a commitment to Christ and his teachings, symbolizing a break from old ways and a new life in Christ. This call for spiritual integrity underscores the importance of Communion as a declaration of faith and a testament to the believer’s transformed life in Christ.
Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
This verse from Acts illustrates the early Christian practice of gathering on the first day of the week to break bread, signifying the importance of Holy Communion in the early Church. The breaking of bread was central to their gatherings, reflecting the communal and worshipful aspect of this sacrament.
It also shows the intertwining of teaching and fellowship in Christian worship, emphasizing the importance of both spiritual nourishment and community in the life of the Church.
Matthew 26:29
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
In Matthew 26:29, Jesus speaks prophetically about the future kingdom of God, linking the Communion experience to the eschatological hope. This statement points to the fulfillment of God’s promises and the establishment of His kingdom, where Christ will again share in communion with His followers.
It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal kingdom to come. This verse imbues Holy Communion with a sense of hope and anticipation for God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
Hebrews 9:22
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Hebrews 9:22 underscores the theological significance of blood in the context of atonement and forgiveness within the Christian faith. This verse connects directly to the symbolism of the wine in Holy Communion, representing the blood of Christ. It highlights the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
The shedding of blood, a central theme in the Old Testament sacrifices, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ sacrificial death. Communion, therefore, becomes a profound reminder of the cost of forgiveness and the grace extended to believers through Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 11:27-29
“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”
These verses from 1 Corinthians serve as a solemn warning about the proper attitude and preparation required for participating in Holy Communion. Paul emphasizes the need for self-examination and reverence. This admonition reminds believers that Communion is not a trivial ritual but a sacred act of worship, requiring recognition of its profound spiritual significance.
It stresses the importance of approaching the Lord’s Table with a heart of repentance, humility, and genuine faith, acknowledging the sacrifice of Christ and the unity of the body of believers.
John 6:56
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
In John 6:56, Jesus articulates a profound mystery of faith: the mutual indwelling between Christ and the believer. This verse speaks to the intimate relationship forged through participating in Holy Communion. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood symbolize a deep spiritual union with Christ. This relationship is not merely symbolic but indicates a real spiritual presence and connectivity. It underscores the transformative power of the Eucharist, where believers are not only nourished but also united with Christ in a very real and personal way.
Matthew 26:27-28
“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.'”
In these verses from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus establishes the cup of wine as a symbol of the new covenant, signified by his blood. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the transition from the Old Covenant to the New.
The pouring out of Jesus’ blood for many highlights the universal nature of his sacrifice, offering forgiveness of sins to all who believe. This passage invites Christians to reflect on the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice and the new relationship with God that is made possible through His blood.
Luke 22:17-18
“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.'”
In Luke 22:17-18, Jesus’ words at the Last Supper carry a sense of anticipation and promise. By choosing not to drink again until the kingdom of God comes, Jesus points to the future fulfillment of God’s plan.
This statement imbues the act of Communion with hope and expectation, reminding believers of the eventual establishment of God’s kingdom. The sharing of the cup among the disciples also symbolizes the communal aspect of faith and the shared anticipation of Christ’s return.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8
“Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Paul’s analogy in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 draws a parallel between the Passover lamb and Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed during the Exodus, Christ was sacrificed for our redemption. The call to celebrate with unleavened bread, free from malice and wickedness, is symbolic of a life purified from sin and lived in sincerity and truth.
This passage connects the Old Testament Passover with the New Testament understanding of Christ’s sacrifice, emphasizing the transformative impact of Christ’s death and resurrection on the believer’s life.
John 6:57
“Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.”
John 6:57 emphasizes the source of life and sustenance in the Christian faith: Jesus Christ. As Jesus lives because of the Father, so believers live through Christ. This verse points to the deep spiritual nourishment provided by Christ, particularly as experienced in Holy Communion.
The act of ‘feeding’ on Jesus is a metaphor for drawing spiritual sustenance and life from Him. It reinforces the concept of mutual indwelling and the vital, life-giving connection between Christ and the believer, underlining the spiritual essence of the Eucharist.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 encapsulates the transformative nature of faith in Christ, which is at the heart of the Christian experience of Holy Communion. This verse expresses the profound mystery of dying to oneself and living through Christ.
It speaks to the intimate union with Christ that believers enter into, not just symbolically in Communion, but in every aspect of their lives. The phrase “Christ lives in me” echoes the essence of Communion, where believers are reminded of Christ’s sacrifice and their continuous spiritual nourishment and transformation through faith in Him.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Romans 12:1, while not directly referencing Holy Communion, parallels its principles. The call to present oneself as a living sacrifice resonates with the essence of Communion – a celebration of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. This verse encourages believers to live lives that reflect the transformative impact of that sacrifice, embodying the principles Jesus taught.
The act of taking Communion is a physical representation of this spiritual truth, a ritual that encompasses the idea of offering oneself fully to God, just as Christ offered himself for humanity.
Colossians 1:22
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”
Colossians 1:22 highlights the reconciling work of Christ’s sacrifice, central to the understanding and significance of Holy Communion. The reference to Christ’s physical body underscores the tangible reality of His sacrifice, which Holy Communion symbolizes through bread and wine.
This verse reassures believers of their sanctified status before God, achieved through Christ’s death. Communion serves as a reminder of this reconciliation, allowing believers to reflect on their transformed relationship with God, made possible through Jesus’ selfless act of love.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks to the transformative power of faith in Christ, which is a central theme in the practice of Holy Communion. This verse declares that being ‘in Christ’ results in becoming a new creation, shedding the old self for a new, redeemed life.
Holy Communion symbolizes this transformation, as believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, they are reminded of their new identity in Him. This new creation theme resonates with each act of Communion, reinforcing the believer’s continual renewal and growth in Christ.
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:8 focuses on the humility and obedience of Christ, essential aspects of the Christian understanding of Communion. This verse reflects on the incarnation and sacrifice of Jesus, emphasizing His willingness to endure the cross for humanity’s salvation.
Communion commemorates this act of supreme humility and obedience, inviting believers to reflect on the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Each time Christians partake in Communion, they are called to remember and emulate Christ’s humility and selfless obedience in their own lives.
Hebrews 10:10
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Hebrews 10:10 speaks directly to the efficacy and finality of Christ’s sacrifice, which is at the core of Holy Communion. This verse asserts that through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are made holy once and for all.
This ‘once for all’ nature of Christ’s sacrifice is central to the significance of Communion, as it is a continual reminder of the complete and sufficient work of Christ on the cross. It reassures believers of their sanctification and the completeness of the redemption provided through Jesus, celebrated and remembered in the act of Communion.
Ephesians 2:13
“But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13 speaks to the reconciling power of Christ’s blood, a theme central to the understanding of Holy Communion. This verse emphasizes how believers, once distant from God, have been drawn close through the sacrifice of Christ.
The imagery of being brought near by His blood underlines the significance of the wine in Communion, symbolizing the blood shed for humanity’s reconciliation with God. Each participation in Communion is a reminder of this profound spiritual truth, celebrating the intimate relationship with God made possible through Christ’s sacrifice.
John 1:29
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”
John 1:29 introduces Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God,’ a title that holds significant meaning in the context of Holy Communion. This identification of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the world’s sin is key to understanding the symbolism of Communion.
As believers partake in the bread and wine, they are reminded of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. This verse invites reflection on the breadth and depth of Christ’s redemptive work, celebrated and remembered in each Communion service.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7 emphasizes the purifying power of Jesus’ blood and the fellowship among believers, both of which are integral to the celebration of Holy Communion. This verse suggests that walking in the light of Christ leads to a shared community, bound together by the cleansing effect of His sacrifice.
The reference to purification from sin resonates with the act of drinking wine in Communion, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Communion is thus seen as a time of both individual purification and communal fellowship, united in the shared experience of Christ’s redemptive grace.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Sons (with Explanations)
What Does The Bible Say About Holy Communion
The Bible addresses the topic of Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, primarily in the New Testament. The key passages that discuss this sacrament are found in the Gospels and in Paul’s letters. Here’s a summary of what the Bible says about Holy Communion:
- Institution of Holy Communion: The most direct references to Holy Communion are the accounts of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the practice. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels – Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, and Luke 22:19-20. During the meal, Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and gave them to His disciples, saying that the bread was His body and the wine His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. In doing this, He instructed His disciples to “do this in remembrance of me.” This establishes Holy Communion as a memorial of Jesus’ sacrifice.
- The Meaning of the Elements: The bread and the wine used in Communion are symbols. The bread symbolizes Jesus’ body, and the wine represents His blood. These elements are used to commemorate the sacrificial death of Christ and His resurrection, which are central to Christian faith.
- A Proclamation of Faith: In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul writes, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” This indicates that participating in Holy Communion is a way of proclaiming one’s faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.
- A Call for Self-Examination: In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, Paul warns against taking Communion in an unworthy manner, urging believers to examine themselves before partaking in it. This suggests that Holy Communion is not just a ritual, but a sacred act that requires reverence, self-reflection, and confession of sins.
- Communion as Fellowship: Communion is also seen as a form of fellowship among believers. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul speaks of the sharing of the bread and the cup as a participation in the body and blood of Christ, highlighting the communal aspect of the sacrament.
- Spiritual Nourishment and Unity: Holy Communion is viewed as spiritual nourishment and a means of grace. It’s a time when believers remember Christ’s sacrifice and receive spiritual sustenance. It also symbolizes the unity of believers as one body in Christ.
Prayer On Holy Communion
Heavenly Father,
As we approach this sacred table to partake in Holy Communion, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. We remember the profound mystery of Your love demonstrated in the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup, we recall His body given for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
Lord, sanctify these elements of bread and wine. Let them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by His blood. As we receive these symbols of Your grace, nourish and strengthen us in faith. May we be united with Christ and with each other, bound in love and fellowship.
Grant us the grace to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and receive Your forgiveness. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may live as faithful disciples, showing Your love and grace to all. Let this Holy Communion be a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, the promise of eternal life, and the joy of Your unending love.
Through this sacrament, draw us closer to You and to each other. May we leave this table transformed, empowered to serve You in the world, reflecting the light of Christ in all that we do.
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.