Verses About Communion in the Bible: Powerful Scriptures That Reveal Its Meaning
Communion is one of the most sacred and meaningful practices in Christianity. Also known as The Lord’s Supper or The Eucharist, communion is more than a religious ritual—it is a profound reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, love, and promise to believers.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible says about communion, you’re not alone. Scripture offers powerful verses that explain its origin, significance, and the heart posture believers should have when participating in it. In this blog post, we’ll explore key Bible verses about communion, what they mean, and why they remain relevant to Christians today.
What Is Communion?
Before diving into specific Bible verses, it's important to understand what communion represents.
Communion symbolizes:
- Jesus’ body broken for us
- His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins
- The new covenant between God and humanity
- Unity among believers
- Remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice
The practice was established during the Last Supper and continues to be a central part of Christian worship across denominations.
Key Verses About Communion in the Bible
Let’s explore the most significant scriptures that teach us about communion.
1. The Institution of Communion: 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.’” — Luke 22:19-20
This passage records the moment Jesus established communion during the Last Supper.
Key lessons from this verse:
- Communion is a command: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
- The bread symbolizes Christ’s body.
- The cup represents the new covenant through His blood.
Jesus intentionally gave this practice to His followers as an ongoing act of remembrance and gratitude.
2. Paul’s Instruction on Communion: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26
The Apostle Paul expands on the meaning of communion in his letter to the Corinthians.
This verse teaches us that communion is:
- A proclamation of Christ’s death
- A remembrance of His sacrifice
- A practice that continues until His return
Communion isn’t just personal—it’s public. It declares to the world that Jesus died, rose again, and is coming back.
3. Examining Your Heart: 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
“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.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before participating in communion.
Before taking communion, believers should:
- Reflect on their relationship with God
- Confess unrepented sin
- Approach the table with humility and gratitude
Communion is not about perfection—but about sincerity and reverence.
4. The Bread of Life: John 6:53-56
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” — John 6:54
Although spoken before the Last Supper, Jesus’ teaching in John 6 points to the deeper spiritual meaning of communion.
Here, Jesus emphasizes:
- Spiritual dependence on Him
- The necessity of faith
- The promise of eternal life
These verses highlight that communion reflects more than symbolism—it speaks to an intimate relationship with Christ.
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”
Communion is also about unity.
In this passage, Paul reminds believers that participating in the Lord’s Supper:
- Connects us to Christ
- Unites us with other believers
- Reinforces our identity as one body
Communion isn’t just vertical (between us and God)—it’s horizontal (among believers).
Why Communion Still Matters Today
In a busy and distracted world, communion helps believers pause and remember what truly matters.
Here’s why it remains essential:
✅ It Refocuses Our Hearts
Communion redirects our attention to Christ’s sacrifice.
✅ It Strengthens Our Faith
By remembering what Jesus did, we grow in gratitude and trust.
✅ It Encourages Self-Reflection
It creates space for repentance and spiritual renewal.
✅ It Builds Unity in the Church
Sharing the Lord’s Supper reinforces our bond as God’s family.
How to Prepare for Communion
Whether in church or at home, preparation matters. Here are practical ways to ready your heart:
- Spend time in prayer
- Read relevant Bible verses about communion
- Confess known sins
- Reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice
- Approach with gratitude and reverence
Communion is not about ritual performance—it’s about heart posture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Verses on Communion
Is communion required for salvation?
The Bible teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Communion is an act of obedience and remembrance, not a means of earning salvation.
How often should Christians take communion?
Scripture doesn’t mandate a specific frequency. Some churches observe it weekly, monthly, or quarterly. The key is not repetition—but reverence.
Can individuals take communion at home?
While traditionally practiced in community, many Christians also observe communion privately, especially during personal worship.
The Deeper Spiritual Meaning of Communion
When we take communion, we are:
- Remembering Christ’s suffering
- Celebrating forgiveness
- Proclaiming hope
- Anticipating His return
Communion connects past, present, and future:
- Past: Jesus’ sacrifice
- Present: Our ongoing relationship with Him
- Future: His promised return
It is both solemn and joyful—a reflection of sacrifice and victory.
Final Thoughts: Holding Fast to the Meaning of Communion
The Bible verses about communion reveal a powerful truth: this sacred act is far more than tradition. It is a divine invitation to remember, reflect, and rejoice.
Each time we take the bread and cup, we are declaring:
- Jesus gave His body for us.
- He shed His blood for our sins.
- He is coming again.
Communion grounds us in grace and unites us in faith. Whether observed weekly or occasionally, it should never lose its significance.
If you’re seeking a deeper understanding of communion in the Bible, return to these scriptures often. Let them remind you of the immeasurable love of Christ—and the eternal hope we have in Him.
Which of these communion verses speaks most powerfully to you? Take time this week to reflect on it—and approach the Lord’s Table with renewed gratitude.
