Communion

Article of Faith on Communion:

We believe that the Memorial and Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is essentially a New Testament sacrament, declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation and promise of all spiritual blessings in Christ. It is distinctively for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation of its significance, and by it they show forth the Lord’s death till He come again. It being the Communion feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love for the saints should be called to participate therein. Article of Faith # 13 Nazarene Manual

Also referred to as Eucharist (which means thanksgiving) or the Lord’s Supper, Communion is celebrated frequently at Grace.  This sacrament was instituted by Jesus on the night of His betrayal. After sharing the Passover meal with His disciples Jesus took bread, broke it, and said “This is my body which is broken for you.” He then held up a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood which is poured out for you.”  These sacred symbols of bread and cup are significant for every believer.  They point back – to the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation.  In looking back, we are reminded of the immeasurable love God had for us, the kind of love that would give Himself completely so that we might know the joy of forgiveness and a restored relationship with Him.  The sacrament also points forward – to the wedding supper of the Lamb where we will feast in the very presence of Jesus.  In looking forward we affirm that we are a people of hope.  And in the present, God conveys His grace to us through these taste-able and tangible symbols.  We believe that at the Table of the Lord, there is great opportunity for meaningful and memorable encounters with Christ and with one another.  His grace comes to us there – grace that forgives, sustains, and strengthens us in the journey.