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Who can take communion according to the Bible?A Scripture-grounded answer about who can take communion
Published Reviewed
Published Reviewed
Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 indicate that communion should be taken with self-examination and sincere faith. Those who eat and drink 'without discerning the body' bring judgment on themselves. Most Christian traditions agree that communion is for baptized believers who have examined their hearts. Churches differ on whether communion is 'open' (any Christian may participate) or 'closed' (only members of that congregation or denomination). The key biblical principle is that participants should approach the table with reverence, repentance, and genuine faith in Christ.
Why this answer? It starts with 1 Corinthians 11:28, then cross-checks 1 Corinthians 11:27 and 1 Corinthians 11:29 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 is the primary text: eating and drinking 'in an unworthy manner' brings judgment, and participants must 'examine themselves.' The context matters — the Corinthians were turning the Lord's Supper into a divisive, drunken feast that humiliated the poor (11:20-22). Paul's concern is not ritual purity but genuine self-examination and communal love. Three main church positions exist: closed communion (only members of that specific congregation), close communion (members of churches in the same denomination or doctrinal agreement), and open communion (all baptized Christians welcome). Catholic and Orthodox traditions additionally require being in a state of grace and having received specific sacraments. The consistent biblical principle across all traditions: communion is not a casual snack but a solemn participation in Christ's body and blood, requiring sincere faith, honest self-examination, and reconciliation with fellow believers.
“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:28
Communion (the Lord's Supper) is a sacred practice Jesus instituted at the Last Supper. Believers eat bread and drink wine (or grape juice) to remember Christ's body broken and blood shed for our sins. It proclaims His death until He returns and examines our hearts before God.
At the Last Supper, Jesus broke bread and said 'This is my body,' then took the cup and said 'This is my blood of the covenant' (Matthew 26:26-28). Christians have debated the meaning ever since. Catholics believe the bread and wine become Christ's actual body and blood (transubstantiation). Lutherans believe Christ is really present 'in, with, and under' the elements (real presence). Reformed Christians believe Christ is spiritually present through faith. Baptists and many evangelicals view the elements as symbols that represent Christ's sacrifice. All agree the meal proclaims Christ's death and anticipates his return.
The Bible does not prescribe a specific frequency for communion. Jesus said 'do this in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19) without specifying how often. Acts 2:42 says the early church devoted themselves to 'the breaking of bread,' and Acts 20:7 mentions gathering on 'the first day of the week' to break bread, suggesting weekly practice. Churches today range from daily (some Catholic and Anglican parishes) to weekly (many Reformed and early church traditions) to monthly or quarterly (common in some Protestant churches).
The church is the community of all believers in Jesus Christ—His body on earth. It's not primarily a building but people called out by God to worship Him, grow together, and serve the world. The local church gathers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.