When Christians come to the Lord’s Table, we often hear the words of Jesus: “This is my body, given for you.”
But what body do we partake of? Is it Christ’s broken, crucified body—or something more?
Theologically, it is crucial to understand that in Holy Communion, we receive not merely the crucified body of Christ, but His risen, glorified body. This distinction matters deeply because it reflects the full gospel we proclaim: not only that Jesus died, but that Jesus lives.
The Crucified Body and the Risen Body: Both Essential, Yet Distinct
When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper on the night before His death (Luke 22:19–20), He spoke of His body being given and His blood being poured out. Communion certainly calls us to remember Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. We remember the cross because it is at the cross that sin is atoned for.
However, if Jesus had only died and not been raised, Paul tells us that our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). The cross and resurrection are inseparable. Christ’s victory over sin was not completed in His death alone—it was sealed and vindicated by His resurrection.
Thus, when we receive the bread and the cup, we are receiving the whole Christ:
- The Christ who was crucified for our sins
- The Christ who was raised for our justification (Romans 4:25)
- The Christ who is alive forevermore (Revelation 1:18)
Communion Is Fellowship with the Living Christ
Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 10:16:
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
The Greek word for “participation” (koinonia) means fellowship, sharing, or communion.
Communion is not merely a memorial service for a deceased Savior. It is active fellowship with the living, risen Lordwho is present with His people by the Holy Spirit.
In the Eucharist, we are nourished not by a dead body but by the glorified humanity of Christ—the same risen Christ who appeared to His disciples, who ascended into heaven, and who reigns even now at the right hand of the Father.
The Resurrection Body: The Source of Eternal Life
When Jesus rose from the dead, He rose in a transformed, glorified body (Philippians 3:21). His body was still real—He could be touched, and He could eat—but it was no longer subject to death and decay.
The bread and cup, then, are signs that we share in Christ’s risen life.
Through the Spirit, we are united to His glorified body, the “firstfruits” of the new creation (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as His body has been raised imperishable, so too shall ours be (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).
Communion is not just about remembering what Christ has done; it is about receiving the life He now lives. It is food for eternal life.
Why This Matters
If we see the Eucharist only as remembrance of the crucifixion, we risk missing the full hope and joy of the gospel.
But when we recognize that in communion we partake of the risen Christ, we understand that we are already tasting the powers of the age to come (Hebrews 6:5). We are already being nourished by resurrection life.
This gives communion its deep joy and profound hope.
At the Table, we are united not to a memory, but to a living Lord who promises, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
So next time you come to the Table, come with awe.
Come remembering the cross, yes—but come also rejoicing in the empty tomb.
You are receiving the life of the risen Christ Himself.
