The Lord's Supper, or Communion, holds a central place in the worship practices of Churches of Christ. It's more than a mere ritual; it's a deeply symbolic act of remembrance, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment. This post explores various perspectives and common questions surrounding communion within the Church of Christ tradition. My hope is to offer thoughtful insights into this sacred ordinance.
What is the significance of communion in the Church of Christ?
For Churches of Christ, communion is not simply a symbolic gesture. It's a direct obedience to Christ's command, as recorded in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. We believe it's a literal reenactment of the Last Supper, a sacred act that connects us directly to Jesus' sacrifice and his promise of new life. It's a time to remember his death and anticipate his return. The significance lies in our participation in this act of remembrance, renewing our commitment to Christ and strengthening our bond with fellow believers.
What are the elements of communion in the Church of Christ?
Churches of Christ typically observe communion using unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice. This reflects the simplicity of the original Last Supper, and it avoids any suggestion of transubstantiation or consubstantiation – beliefs that are not held within our tradition. The bread symbolizes the body of Christ, broken for us, and the juice represents his blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins. The simplicity of the elements emphasizes the profound spiritual meaning rather than elaborate ritual.
How often is communion observed in Churches of Christ?
The frequency of communion varies slightly among Churches of Christ, but it's generally observed weekly. This practice stems from the early church's regular observance of the Lord's Supper and reflects a desire to regularly remember Christ's sacrifice and participate in the fellowship it provides. The weekly observance emphasizes the ongoing nature of our relationship with Christ and our commitment to living a life worthy of his sacrifice.
What is the meaning of partaking of the Lord's Supper?
Partaking in communion is not a passive act; it's an active participation in a sacred ordinance. It requires self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28), ensuring that we are worthy participants and approaching the table with repentant hearts. It's a time of reflection on Christ's sacrifice, our own sins, and our commitment to follow him. It's also an expression of unity and fellowship with other believers, partaking in this shared experience of remembrance and worship.
What are the rules surrounding communion in the Church of Christ?
While the specific practices may differ slightly between congregations, most Churches of Christ emphasize the importance of following Christ's example and the instruction in 1 Corinthians 11. This typically involves using unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice, and self-examination before partaking. There's also a strong emphasis on unity and fellowship, coming together in shared obedience to Christ's command. The focus is on reverence, humility, and a sincere desire to participate in this sacred act.
Who can partake of communion in a Church of Christ?
Churches of Christ generally believe that only baptized believers should partake of the Lord's Supper. This aligns with our understanding of baptism as a public declaration of faith in Christ and obedience to his commands. Therefore, communion is seen as a sacred act reserved for those who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ and have been baptized in obedience to his teachings.
This post offers a general overview of communion within Churches of Christ. Individual congregations may have nuances in their practices, but the core beliefs and significance remain consistent: remembrance, fellowship, and obedience to Christ's command. This sacred ordinance is a vital part of our worship and spiritual life.
