Communion Unmasked

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The Purpose of True Communion

The Lord's Supper stands as one of two sacred ordinances that allow believers to rise above the chaos of our current world. While many churches have traditionally approached communion with somber self-examination, we must understand its true biblical context and purpose.

Understanding 1 Corinthians 11 in Context

Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29: "Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself and in this way eat the bread and drink from the cup. For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

While many interpret these verses as a call for intense personal confession before taking communion, the historical context reveals a different meaning. In the early church, communion wasn't just a small cracker and juice – it was an entire meal shared by the community. The Corinthians' problem wasn't personal sin, but rather their conduct during these meals.

Some church members would arrive early, consume all the food and wine, leaving nothing for poorer members who came later. This created divisions within the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 11:18-22: "At the meal each one eats his own supper so one person is hungry while another gets drunk… Do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?"

Already Qualified Through Christ

The fundamental truth about communion is this: if you are saved, Jesus has already qualified you. The "unworthy manner" Paul addresses refers to how the Corinthians conducted the Lord's Supper, not their personal worthiness to participate. All believers are made righteous, holy, and redeemed through Christ's sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:10,14 confirms that we are forever qualified by Jesus's blood to share in communion. This means we don't need to get forgiven and cleansed before taking communion – the entire purpose of communion is to remind us that we already have forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus.

Common Misunderstandings Clarified

Some believe God struck down Corinthians with sickness and death for communion violations, based on 1 Corinthians 11:30: "For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep." However, this more likely refers to the natural consequences of their drunkenness and gluttony during these meals.

Regarding judgment and discipline (1 Corinthians 11:31-32), Paul's point was that if the Corinthians would judge their own behavior more wisely, they wouldn't face judgment from others in their midst. The discipline mentioned is God's loving correction, often preparing us for future challenges rather than punishing past mistakes.

The Simple Solution: Wait for One Another

Paul's solution wasn't about intense self-examination but simple consideration for others. As he states in 1 Corinthians 11:33-34: "When you come together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that when you come together it will not be for judgment."

Communion should be a celebration of Christ's sacrifice, not a time of judgment. When we approach the Lord's table, we can come with confidence, respect, and thankfulness, knowing that our Savior has already forgiven, cleansed, and fully qualified us to participate. While personal reflection can be meaningful, the focus should remain on celebrating what Christ has done for us through His body and blood.