- After the Lord Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, he said, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me†(Lk 22:19; see also 1Cor 11:23-25). The Lord clearly instructed that partaking the Holy Communion is the way to remember his death. It is by keeping the Holy Communion that we proclaim the Lord’s death (1Cor 11:26). How then can we dismiss the Holy Communion as unimportant?
- Partaking of the bread and the cup to proclaim the Lord’s death was to be done not only by the apostles but also by all believers, even those of modern age, until the Lord comes (1Cor 11:26).
- The partaking of the bread and the cup during Holy Communion is not merely a custom or formality. While it is an occasion to remember and proclaim the Lord’s death, it carries great significance and spiritual efficacy, and consists of essential spiritual functions for believers. By partaking of the Holy Communion:
- We unite with the Lord in the Holy Spirit (1Cor 10:16; the Greek word for “communion†in 1Cor 16:16 is Koinônia, meaning fellowship; Jn 6:56); and we also unite with one another (1Cor 10:17).
- We receive eternal life (Jn 6:53-54).
- We will be raised on the last day (Jn 6:54).
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