What Is First Communion?
1. The Meaning of First Communion
First Communion refers to the first time a Christian partakes in the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper. In many traditions, this moment is treated as a milestone in a believer’s spiritual life, marking the transition into full participation in the sacramental life of the church.
The Bible calls this act “the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42) and describes it as both a remembrance of Christ’s death and a participation in His body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). First Communion, then, is not merely a ritual but an entry into deeper fellowship with Christ and His people.
2. The Biblical Foundation
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night of His betrayal. Taking bread and wine, He declared, “This is my body… this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” (Matthew 26:26–28).
From this moment, communion became a central act of worship. The apostle Paul emphasized that in eating the bread and drinking the cup, believers “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Thus, First Communion is rooted in:
Remembrance – recalling Christ’s sacrificial death.
Proclamation – declaring the Gospel to the gathered community.
Participation – spiritually sharing in the benefits of Christ’s body and blood.
3. The Covenant Significance
Communion is not only a memorial but also a covenantal act. The cup is described as “the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20). This ties the Supper to the larger story of God’s promises:
The covenant with Abraham anticipated blessing for all nations (Genesis 12:3).
The covenant at Sinai bound Israel as God’s people (Exodus 24:8).
The new covenant fulfilled in Christ unites Jew and Gentile into one people (Jeremiah 31:31–33; Ephesians 2:14–16).
First Communion, therefore, is participation in this covenant renewal, declaring allegiance to Christ as the mediator of the covenant of grace.
4. The Age of First Communion
Different churches approach First Communion at different ages:
Catholic and Anglican traditions – often around age seven or eight, following instruction.
Orthodox churches – sometimes allow infants to commune immediately after baptism.
Many Protestant churches – reserve communion for those able to make a personal confession of faith and examine themselves.
The biblical principle is clear: “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28). The age of First Communion should reflect both understanding and genuine faith in Christ.
5. The Frequency of Communion
First Communion is only the beginning of a lifelong practice. Churches vary widely in frequency:
Daily or weekly – common in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Reformed contexts.
Monthly or quarterly – found in many Baptist and evangelical churches.
Occasional or yearly – practiced by some smaller groups with a different emphasis on ritual.
The Bible does not prescribe an exact schedule, but it does emphasize regularity and sincerity (Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 11:26).
6. The Spiritual Meaning
Communion is not merely symbolic. Scripture teaches that believers truly partake in Christ through faith:
“The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16).
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17).
The act brings spiritual nourishment, strengthens faith, and fosters unity among believers. First Communion is therefore a profound step of belonging both to Christ and to His church.
7. The Gospel Connection
First Communion proclaims the Gospel in visible form. The bread and wine signify Christ’s body given and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. This meal shows that:
Salvation is by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Christ is the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
His death secures a future hope, for we eat and drink “until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
This sacrament reminds believers that the kingdom of God is already present in Christ’s reign, yet still awaits its final fulfillment at His return (Revelation 19:9).
8. The Communal Dimension
First Communion is personal, but it is never private. The Bible emphasizes that the Lord’s Supper is celebrated together:
The early church “devoted themselves… to the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42).
Paul warned against divisions at the table (1 Corinthians 11:18–22).
By taking the Supper, each believer affirms belonging to the body of Christ. First Communion, then, not only unites a person to Christ but also to His people.
9. The Warnings of Scripture
Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians included a sober warning: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27).
This shows that communion is not casual:
It requires self-examination.
It calls for repentance and faith.
It warns against hypocrisy or indifference.
First Communion should therefore be approached with reverence, ensuring that the heart is set upon Christ.
10. The Hope of the Coming Feast
First Communion is not the end but the beginning of a greater hope. Jesus promised, “I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).
The Supper points forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Every First Communion, then, is a foretaste of that eternal banquet where God’s people will dwell with Him in perfect fellowship.
Conclusion
First Communion is a milestone that carries deep biblical significance. It is rooted in Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper, proclaims His death and resurrection, and unites believers in covenant fellowship. While traditions differ on age and practice, the heart of First Communion is the same: it is a visible proclamation of the Gospel and a pledge of hope in Christ’s coming kingdom.
This first participation in the bread and cup declares that one belongs to Christ, is nourished by His grace, and is part of His body, the church.
Bible Verses about First Communion
Matthew 26:26–28 – “Take, eat; this is my body… this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Luke 22:20 – “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
John 6:51 – “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”
Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
1 Corinthians 5:7 – “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
1 Corinthians 10:16 – “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:28 – “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”
Revelation 19:9 – “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
