"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship [communion] of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV)
Understanding communion requires right division. The word "communion" (koinonia in Greek) means fellowship - the sharing together of members of the Body of Christ. Through right division, we can understand how this differs from Time Past ordinances and see its proper application today.
The Greek word "koinonia" appears in the KJV as both "fellowship" (most common) and "communion". (Fellowship 12 times and communion 4 times.)
Webster's 1828, Communion definition: "Fellowship; intercourse between two persons or more; interchange of transactions, or offices; a state of giving and receiving; agreement; concord."
Expresses the unity of the Body of Christ
Shows our shared position in Christ
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" (Ephesians 3:9 KJV)
Body members sharing life together
Building up one another in the faith
Expression of our unity in Christ
"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit" (Philippians 2:1 KJV)
Connected to Passover: "Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve" (Matthew 26:20 KJV)
With twelve apostles: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread" (Matthew 26:26 KJV)
Kingdom focus: "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29 KJV)
Covenant promise: "This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28 KJV)
National focus: Connected to Israel's new covenant
Kingdom anticipation: Looking to earthly kingdom
One Body: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV)
Shared Life: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27 KJV)
Common Faith: "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5 KJV)
Meeting Together: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV)
Shared Meals: As a practical expression of fellowship
Mutual Edification: "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another" (1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV)
Division in Eating: "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper" (1 Corinthians 11:20 KJV)
Selfish Behavior: "For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper" (1 Corinthians 11:21 KJV)
Shaming Others: "Despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?" (1 Corinthians 11:22 KJV)
Historical Reference: Relates Time Past account of Lord's Supper
Shows Proper Unity: Contrasts with their divisive practices
Practical Solution: "If any man hunger, let him eat at home" (1 Corinthians 11:34 KJV)
Position in Christ: Complete in Him
Body Unity: All members share equally
Grace Operation: No religious rituals required
Love One Another: "By love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13 KJV)
Consider Others: "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Philippians 2:4 KJV)
Build Up: "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Corinthians 14:26 KJV)
No prescribed ceremony
No required observance
Freedom in grace
Different from kingdom program
Not connected to covenants
Based on Body truth
Understanding Communion Today:
Fellowship of Body members
Expression of our unity in Christ
Practical sharing of life together
Grace-based relationships
No religious ceremonies required
Communion means fellowship
Body truth for today
Practical expressions
Grace relationship
Keep proper distinctions
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