Communion

At Grace Church, we observe communion through three elements: Foot Washing, the Love Feast, and the Bread and the Cup. We believe that each of these elements captures a dimension of the gospel that is important to be remembered and celebrated.

What is Communion?

The word communion means simply "sharing something in common". Communion is a symbolic practice that we do to remember and celebrate key aspects of our faith. The meaning behind communion is deeper than merely the individual elements; it symbolizes Jesus’ love for us. Just as a groom demonstrates his love for his bride on their wedding day through symbolic acts, such as exchanging rings, the three elements of communion demonstrate Jesus saying, "I love you," to His bride, the Church.

These elements remind us of:
  • His daily cleansing in our lives (Foot Washing)
  • The celebration awaiting us in heaven (the Love Feast)
  • The price He paid for us through death on the cross so we could have eternal life (the Bread and the Cup). (Get a more in-depth explanation on this.)

Anyone who shares faith in Christ is welcome to attend. We also welcome anyone who would like to observe the symbolism without participating.

Foot Washing

This cleansing act is something Jesus asks us to do, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He gave us an example. It was an example to be followed in practice, not merely known (John 13:12-17). Foot Washing is more than an outward cleansing—it is a time of introspection and self-examination. It’s a statement we make together, as we join in communion, that Jesus is the one who does the real cleansing on the inside. Even though we, as believers, have been forgiven for all our imperfections (sin in the past, present, and future), we must take hold of His cleansing power and forgiveness on a daily basis. He cleanses us continuously, as we fully embrace His forgiveness.

The Love Feast

At Grace, we also celebrate communion by eating together, which reminds us not only of our special bond to Christ, but also to each other. Scripture promises a special future occasion, the ultimate Love Feast, with Jesus himself as host. We are now, as believers, Jesus’ loved ones and future bride, and He will welcome us to His celebration in heaven:

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God" (Revelation 19:6-9).

We practice the Love Feast because Jesus included it in the "communion service" He had with His disciples, known as the Last Supper (John 13), and because the early church perpetuated this tradition (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Jude 12).

The Bread and Cup

The third element of the communion service is the Bread and the Cup. It symbolizes Jesus' broken body (Bread) and shed blood (Cup). These elements represent the grotesque death endured on the cross for us by God’s perfect Son, Jesus. But why did Jesus have to die?

God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us, but we cannot be in a relationship with God because God is perfect and we are not. His perfection and our imperfection cannot mix. God, knowing that there is no way for us to rescue ourselves, sent the only solution possible—His son, Jesus. Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect (sinless) life, and died on the cross as an innocent person. In doing so, he paid the debt for all of our sins. When we become Christians a great exchange takes place: God considers the perfection of Jesus to be ours (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus’ death and resurrection also created a new way for mankind to relate to God. No more animal sacrifices. No more priests to intercede. Instead, direct communication with God was made possible because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5-6). He asks us to keep observing this symbol of love until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:25-26), so we will not forget the price that was paid.

The symbols of communion are joyful for believers, yet solemn and holy, as well. They are so serious that in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, we are warned to examine our own lives before participating in communion, making sure we are first prayerfully connecting with God and properly recognizing the meaning these symbols hold.