When Christians ask what does the bible say about holy communion, they are really asking what Jesus Himself intended believers to do and remember. In the Gospels, Jesus gives clear words over bread and the cup—tying them to His body given and His blood shed for the new testament. Communion is not simply tradition; it is an act of remembrance, worship, and covenant faith. In Acts, we see early believers practicing the faith “in breaking of bread,” and in 1 Corinthians the seriousness of communion is emphasized with warnings about spiritual harm. Even Jesus’ teaching about “eating” His flesh and “drinking” His blood points believers to abiding life in Him. As we follow these Scriptures, we come to a deeper posture: humble faith, reverent participation, and a life joined to Christ.

Bible Verses

1) Jesus instituted communion as remembrance and covenant proclamation

The most foundational answer to what Jesus taught about communion begins with Christ’s own words. In the upper room, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Then He took the cup and declared, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” These phrases show two essential purposes of communion: remembrance of Jesus and participation in the reality of His new covenant.

Luke’s wording highlights “remembrance,” meaning communion is meant to draw the believer back to Christ’s sacrifice with living faith. Matthew and Mark reinforce the same pattern: Jesus says, “Take, eat; this is my body,” and “Drink ye all of it,” grounding the bread and cup in who He is and what He has done. The emphasis continues: His blood is “of the new testament,” shed “for many,” and according to Matthew, “for the remission of sins.”

So communion is not merely a reflection on general spirituality; it is anchored in the specific gospel announcement—Christ’s body given and His blood poured out. When believers return to these words, communion becomes worship that renews hope and trust. In reverent obedience, we do what He commanded, and we remember what He accomplished.

Christ’s command reshapes our posture: we come not to earn forgiveness, but to receive it and respond in faith. The bread and cup serve as God’s way of focusing the heart on the cross—remembering Jesus, trusting His new covenant, and honoring the gift of remission of sins.

2) Communion belongs to a steadfast life of doctrine, fellowship, and worship

It is easy to treat communion as an isolated moment—something we “do” and then move on. Scripture instead shows communion living inside a broader pattern of faithful discipleship. In Acts, the early believers “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This connects communion to doctrine (truth received), fellowship (life shared), breaking of bread (worship practiced), and prayers (dependence expressed).

That matters because the meaning of the bread and the cup is not disconnected from the way believers live. If Christ gave bread and cup as a remembrance of His covenant, then communion should naturally flow out of steady teaching, shared faith, and worshipful prayer. When the church is rooted in apostolic doctrine, communion becomes a family practice that strengthens unity rather than a private ritual that feeds spiritual confusion.

In this same spirit, Jesus’ teaching in John 6 pushes believers toward deeper dependence. He says, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you,” and then explains that “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life,” adding that the one who does so “dwelleth in me, and I in him.” While John 6 is not a step-by-step communion manual, it does reveal that Jesus intends a real, life-giving union with Himself.

Therefore, communion should never be reduced to something merely symbolic or habitual. It invites the believer into abiding faith—trusting Christ, receiving life from Him, and living in the covenant reality He secured.

Doctrine + fellowship + communion becomes a rhythm of grace: truth heard, life shared, Christ remembered, and the heart strengthened.

3) Communion is serious—spiritual consequences call for reverent faith

Jesus’ instructions are gentle and faithful, but Scripture also warns that communion is not a casual practice. Paul’s words to the Corinthians underline the seriousness: “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” The context of communion in 1 Corinthians centers on the danger of disregarding the sacred nature of Christ’s body and blood. Even though we are not listing additional passages here, Paul’s statement is unmistakable: God takes dishonoring treatment of holy things seriously.

This does not mean communion is only for the “perfect” or that believers should live in fear. Instead, biblical instructions for taking communion include the expectation of sober reflection and reverent faith. If communion is remembrance of Jesus’ body given and His blood shed for remission of sins, then unworthy or careless participation can harm the soul and even the body.

Paul’s warning also helps believers examine the heart. Communion is a gospel moment; it should produce humility, gratitude, and renewal—not pride, distraction, or irreverence. The seriousness of consequences is meant to draw believers back to what communion truly represents.

At the same time, Jesus’ teaching in John 6 encourages us to come believing. He promises life to the one who eats His flesh and drinks His blood and says the believer will “dwell” in Him. That union is not self-generated; it is received through Christ by faith.

So communion combines reverence with hope. A holy practice demands a trusting heart. We approach with repentance, faith, and gratitude because Christ is real to us, His covenant is true, and His sacrifice is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions