Life and Relationships

What Is Communion or the Lord's Supper?

Communion, also called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus in which believers eat bread and drink from the cup to remember His body broken and blood shed for their salvation, anticipating His future return.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Jesus instituted this practice at the Last Supper, taking bread and saying, “this is my body,” and the cup, saying, “this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (), giving concrete, tangible symbols to help believers remember His sacrifice. Paul instructs the church to continue this practice, explaining that “as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come” (), connecting communion both to remembrance of the past and anticipation of Christ's future return. He also urges believers to examine themselves honestly before participating, treating the ordinance with appropriate reverence rather than careless routine ().

In brief

Jesus instituted this practice at the Last Supper, taking bread and saying, “this is my body,” and the cup, saying, “this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (), giving concrete, tangible symbols to help believers remember His sacrifice.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.