Have you ever wondered why Christians observe the practice of taking Holy Communion, also known as the Last Supper?
“I still remember the sense of mystery I felt as a child as I watched the adults take Holy Communion in church. Children were not allowed to take communion. Everyone lined up quietly, and the pastor handed out the tiny plastic cups of grape juice and broken bread. There seemed to be this sacred solemnity around the whole thing.”
Now as an adult, I’ve come to understand and experience the power made available to believers through taking Holy Communion.
Communion is not just a religious ritual or tradition. When taken with faith and revelation, it can provide many powerful benefits in the life of a believer!
The Lord’s Supper may seem like a simple symbolic ritual, but its simplicity belies the profound supernatural blessings God has attached to it.
In this post, I’ll explore 5 key benefits of regularly taking Holy Communion. I’ll also look at what the Bible says about communion and how you can receive these benefits yourself.
5 Benefits of Taking Communion
1. Fellowship with Christ
“23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.””
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NKJV)
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The broken bread represents Jesus’ physical body, which was scourged and broken open by whips, thorns, and nails to pay for our healing.
The cup represents the blood of Jesus that was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin.
Whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup in faith, you are taking part in Christ’s finished work.
You enter into an intimate spiritual communion and fellowship with Jesus as if you were there at the cross.
Several times in the Gospels, Jesus is revealed through the breaking of bread – the communion elements (see Matthew 15:32-39, Luke 24:28-35). This refers to fellowship with Christ by taking part in the Lord’s Supper!
This fellowship releases the power of the cross and resurrection into every area of your life – physically, emotionally, and spiritually!
You participate and become one with the Savior who took upon Himself your sickness, pain, sin, and death.
2. Physical Healing
“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
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Jesus’ body was broken and stripped by whips before going to the cross. He bore this brutal punishment to purchase your physical healing.
As you eat the bread in remembrance of Him, thank Him for your healing based on the stripes He bore. This will release supernatural healing power into your body.
Many believers have experienced healing from all kinds of diseases and ailments by taking Holy Communion with revelation.
It activates your healing by identifying with what Jesus did for you.
3. Strength to Resist Sin
“5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”
Romans 6:5-6 (NKJV)
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Being united with Christ in His death and resurrection is the key to overcoming sin.
As you take Holy Communion, remember that your old sinful nature was put to death on the cross with Jesus.
You died to sin and now walk in the newness of life in Him. The power of sin over you is broken.
This revelation empowers you to resist temptation and walk in righteousness.
The more you affirm your new righteous identity in Christ, the less you will fall into sinful habits and bondage.
Communion strengthens you spiritually to live a holy life.
4. Overcome Trials and Temptations
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
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Jesus’ suffering and death provide a way to overcome every trial you face in life – hardship, sickness, financial lack, mental torment – you name it.
As you take the Lord’s Supper, you tap into this power for victory because of the cross. In Christ, you have overcome and will continue to overcome!
5. Spiritual Vitality
“12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.”
Psalms 92:12-14 (NKJV)
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When you consistently take Holy Communion, you become like a tree planted by God that never stops bearing fruit.
You will flourish and remain spiritually fresh, green, and vital – even into old age!
The blood of Christ represents the life of God that flows through you as you continually feed on Christ through the Lord’s Supper.
It’s like drinking from the fountain of youth spiritually. Communion renews you and causes you to be spiritually vigorous.
What Does the Bible Say About Holy Communion?
The practice of believers taking communion together was instituted by Jesus Himself at the Last Supper before His crucifixion.
It is richly meaningful, infused with divine power, and still just as relevant for the church today.
Here are some key Holy Communion scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Jesus instituted communion on the night He was betrayed. Eating the bread and drinking the cup of blessing reminds us of His death as we wait for His second coming.
- John 6:53-56 – Jesus said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life. Taking Holy Communion is feeding on Him.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 – The cup and bread represent sharing in the blood and body of Christ.
- Matthew 26:26-28 – As His disciples ate the bread, Jesus said “This is My body.” And of the wine – “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
- Acts 2:42, 46 – The early church devoted themselves to breaking bread and sharing Holy Communion.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 – We are to take Holy Communion in a worthy manner, discerning the Lord’s body and blood.
The Gospels show Jesus consistently meeting people’s physical needs before addressing their spiritual condition – feeding the multitudes, healing diseases, and delivering people from demons.
Communion continues this pattern. As you take communion by faith, both your body and spirit will be renewed and refreshed in Him.
How to Take Holy Communion
Hopefully, by now you’re convinced of the powerful benefits of taking Holy Communion! But how exactly do you receive these blessings for yourself?
Here are some keys:
- Examine your heart: Don’t take Holy Communion in an unworthy manner. Deal with any sin through confession and repentance. Remember the sacrifice required for your redemption.
- Feed on revelation: Read scriptures and meditate on the significance of the blood and body of Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit give you fresh revelation. Go beyond just a ritual.
- Remember Christ: Keep your focus completely on Jesus and what He did for you. Recognize that by His stripes you were healed. Thank Him.
- Take it by faith: God’s power is activated by faith. Believe that as you take Holy Communion, the benefits are being released in and through you.
- Give thanks: After taking communion, continue praising and thanking the Lord for what He has done and is doing in you. Let your faith be enlarged.
- Do it regularly: Take it consistently to ensure you keep experiencing the blessings. You can’t overdose on Christ!
As you take Holy Communion, I encourage you to look beyond the physical elements.
Let your spiritual eyes be opened to see and receive the fullness of what God has done for you through the blood and body of Jesus.
Divine health, freedom from sin, power over trials, and spiritual fruitfulness can be yours. It’s all wrapped up in this beautiful sacrament the Lord has given us.
Holy Communion Prayer
Here is a simple prayer you can pray as you take Holy Communion:
“Lord Jesus, I recognize and discern that the broken bread represents your body which was broken and stripped for my healing. And this cup of juice represents your blood which was shed to cleanse me from all sin.
As I eat this bread and drink this cup, I eat and drink in remembrance of you. I proclaim your death, burial, and resurrection until you return.
I recognize that taking Holy Communion allows me to share in your overcoming life – your triumph over sin, sickness, death, and the powers of darkness.
Strengthen me now as I feed on you. Increase my faith to receive everything you died to provide for me. Amen.”
Key Takeaways: Benefits of Communion
- Communion brings you into intimate fellowship with Christ.
- It activates physical healing by identifying with Jesus’ broken body and stripes.
- Your spiritual strength to resist sin is renewed.
- You receive power over trials as you share in Christ’s overcoming life.
- Consistent communion produces ongoing spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.
- Prepare your heart, take by faith with revelation, and focus on the Lord.
My prayer is that this article has illuminated God’s purpose for Holy Communion in the life of every believer!
Understand that it’s not just a religious ritual. When taken with expectant faith based on the Word, it becomes a divine conduit of God’s power and presence.
As you apply these truths, I believe you will experience a powerful transformation in spirit, soul, and body. Be blessed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Holy Communion:
Q. What does communion mean?
A. Communion means sharing or holding in common. The bread and wine represent Christ’s body and blood which He shares with us intimately.
Q. When should you not take communion?
A. If there is any unconfessed sin in your life or you are not a born-again Christian you should not take communion. Also if you fail to understand the sacred meaning of the elements do not take communion.
Q. What does the bread and wine symbolize?
A. The bread symbolizes Christ’s body which was broken open by His suffering to purchase our healing. The wine (or grape juice) represents His blood which was poured out for the forgiveness of our sins.
Q. How often should you take communion?
A. The Bible does not prescribe a frequency. Many believers take it daily, weekly, or monthly. The early church took it regularly. Do it consistently enough to walk in the benefits.
Q. Can you take communion alone?
A. Yes, communion can be taken alone with just you and the Lord. His presence is with you. The corporate gathering also provides unique blessings.
Q. What happens when you take communion?
A. Taking Holy Communion by faith allows you to receive Christ’s overcoming life and power. You share in His finished work – healing, righteousness, protection, and vitality.
