Bible Study: What Is Communion? Understanding the Lord's Supper in the Assemblies of God
- Boundless Team
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
When we approach the table of the Lord, we aren't just performing a religious ritual; we are stepping into a sacred moment of remembrance, fellowship, and hope that spans two thousand years of faith.
In the Assemblies of God, Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a symbolic memorial ordinance where believers partake of bread and the fruit of the vine to remember Christ’s sacrifice, celebrate our unity in Him, and anticipate His glorious return.
The Heart of the Table: A Sacred Ordinance
For many, the word "communion" brings to mind quiet music, small cups, and pieces of bread. But why do we do it? Is it just a tradition, or does something deeper happen when the Church gathers around the elements?
In the Assemblies of God (AG), Holy Communion is recognized as one of the two mandatory ordinances of the Church, alongside Water Baptism. We believe that Jesus Himself established this practice during His final Passover meal with His disciples, commanding us to continue it until He returns.
Definition Block: Ordinance An Ordinance is a religious practice or ceremony specifically commanded by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. In AG theology, an ordinance is a symbolic act of obedience and a "visible sign of an invisible grace," but it does not technically impart salvation to the participant.
The Biblical Foundation of the Lord’s Supper
Our understanding of Communion begins with the words of Jesus. In the Gospels, we see the moment the shadows of the Old Covenant Passover were fulfilled in the Light of the New Covenant.
Jesus Institutes the Meal (Matthew 26:26-29)
During the Last Supper, Jesus took the traditional elements of the Passover and gave them new, eternal meaning. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
The Apostle Paul’s Instruction (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Paul later received a direct revelation concerning the Lord’s Supper, which serves as the primary liturgy for churches today. He emphasized that every time we eat the bread and drink the cup, we "proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes."
Understanding the AG Doctrinal Position
There are many different views of Communion throughout Christian history. To understand the Assemblies of God perspective, it is helpful to look at what we believe the Lord's Supper is and what it is not.
1. It is a Symbolic Memorial
We believe the bread and the fruit of the vine (typically grape juice) are symbols. They represent the broken body and the shed blood of Jesus. When we partake, we are not physically eating Christ’s flesh or drinking His literal blood (a view known as transubstantiation). Instead, we are spiritually feeding on Christ through faith and remembering His finished work on the Cross.
2. It is Not a Re-Sacrifice
In some traditions, the meal is viewed as a "re-presentation" or a "re-offering" of Christ’s sacrifice. The AG teaches that Christ’s sacrifice was "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). We do not re-sacrifice Him at the table; we celebrate the victory He already won.
3. It is Not a Sacrament of Salvation
We distinguish between a "sacrament" (often viewed as a ritual that conveys saving grace) and an "ordinance." Participation in Communion does not wash away sins or secure a place in heaven. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Communion is the response of a heart that has already been saved.
Summary of Perspectives
Feature | Assemblies of God View (Memorial) | Sacramental View |
The Elements | Symbols of Christ's body and blood. | The actual or "real presence" of Christ. |
Purpose | To remember, proclaim, and anticipate. | To receive saving or sanctifying grace. |
Salvation | Participation does not save the soul. | Viewed as a "means of grace" for salvation. |
Focus | Looking back to the Cross and forward to the Return. | The ritual act itself. |
The Significance of the Elements
When you hold the bread and the cup at First Assembly Memphis or while joining us through Boundless Online Church, you are holding symbols that speak of three distinct time periods:
The Past (Remembrance): We look back to Calvary. The bread reminds us of His physical suffering and the stripes He took for our healing. The cup reminds us of the New Covenant sealed in His blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
The Present (Fellowship): The word "Communion" means koinonia or "common sharing." We are expressing our unity with Christ and our unity with one another as the Body of Christ.
The Future (Prophecy): We look forward. Jesus promised He would not drink of the fruit of the vine again until He drinks it new with us in the Kingdom of God. Every Communion service is a "rehearsal" for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Who Can Partake? Open vs. Closed Communion
A common question for new believers or visitors to Memphis is, "Am I allowed to take Communion here?"
In the Assemblies of God, we practice what is known as Open Communion.
Open Communion: This means that the invitation to the table is extended to all born-again believers, regardless of their denominational background or church membership. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and are living in fellowship with Him, you are welcome at the table.
Closed Communion: Some denominations restrict the elements only to official members of their local congregation or specific sect. We believe the table belongs to the Lord, not to a specific organization.
However, Scripture gives a warning in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 about partaking in an "unworthy manner." This doesn't mean you have to be perfect, none of us are. It means we should approach the table with a heart of self-examination, repenting of known sin and seeking reconciliation with others before we eat.
Practical Application: Preparing Your Heart
How can you make your next Communion experience more meaningful? Whether you are in a sanctuary in the 901 or in your living room across the globe, here are three practical steps:
Examine: Take a moment of silence to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of your life that need course-correction. Repentance isn't about shame; it's about clearing the path for deeper intimacy with God.
Give Thanks: The Greek word for the Lord's Supper is Eucharist, which means "thanksgiving." Let your heart overflow with gratitude for the price Jesus paid to bring you back to the Father.
Reconcile: If you have bitterness or an unresolved conflict with a brother or sister in Christ, use the moment before Communion to pray for them and commit to making things right. The "common meal" requires a "common love."
Join the Conversation
The Lord's Supper is a beautiful mystery that reminds us we are never alone. We are part of a global family, washed by the same blood and filled with the same Spirit.
Are you ready to take the next step in your spiritual journey?
Whether you need to understand the Bible more deeply or you're looking for a community to walk with, we have resources for you.
Join a Small Group: Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. Connect with others in Memphis or online to discuss these truths.
Download a Study Guide: We’ve prepared a simple, printable PDF guide on the "Ordinances of the Church" to help you lead your family in a home Bible study.
A Prayer for You
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for the bread that represents His body broken for our healing and the cup that represents His blood shed for our freedom. As we reflect on the sacrifice of the Lord's Supper, let it stir in us a deeper love for You and a greater hunger for Your return. Amen.
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