Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionThe concept of "The Call to Communion" is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing the believer's invitation to partake in a profound relationship with God and fellow believers. This communion is both a spiritual and communal experience, reflecting the unity and fellowship that are central to the Christian life.
Biblical FoundationThe call to communion is first and foremost a call to fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. In
1 Corinthians 1:9, the Apostle Paul writes, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This verse underscores the divine initiative in calling believers into a relationship with Christ, which is the foundation of all Christian communion.
The Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels, is a pivotal moment that illustrates the call to communion. Jesus, during the Passover meal with His disciples, instituted the Lord's Supper, saying, "This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (
Luke 22:19). This act of breaking bread and sharing the cup is a tangible expression of communion, symbolizing the believer's participation in the body and blood of Christ.
Spiritual CommunionSpiritual communion with God is a central theme throughout Scripture. In
John 15:4, Jesus exhorts His followers, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." This abiding relationship is characterized by prayer, worship, and obedience, fostering a deep and personal connection with the divine.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in facilitating this communion.
Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit assures believers of their status as children of God and enables them to experience the fullness of communion with Him.
Communal AspectThe call to communion extends beyond the individual to encompass the entire body of Christ. The early church exemplified this communal aspect, as described in
Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This verse highlights the importance of communal worship, teaching, and fellowship in the life of the church.
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in
1 Corinthians 10:16-17: "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." Here, Paul emphasizes the unity of believers as one body in Christ, brought together through the shared experience of the Lord's Supper.
Theological ImplicationsThe call to communion has profound theological implications, reflecting the nature of the Church as the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-6 speaks to this unity: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage underscores the oneness of the Church, united under one God and one faith.
Moreover, the call to communion is a call to holiness and love. In 1
John 1:7, it is written, "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." Walking in the light involves living a life of righteousness and love, which fosters genuine fellowship among believers.
ConclusionThe call to communion is an invitation to a transformative relationship with God and His people. It is a call to participate in the divine life through Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to live in unity and love with fellow believers. This call is both a privilege and a responsibility, shaping the identity and mission of the Church in the world.
