Communion

By
John Parker

What is Communion?
Simply put, it is the taking of bread (representing the broken body of Jesus) and wine (the cup, representing
the blood Jesus shed for the remission of our sins).

There is however, a quite bit more to it than that. Communion is not a “little snack” we have during church to
tide us over until lunch, nor is it a social event for the congregation.

There is a depth and breadth to communion that reveals itself readily only if you are willing to put in the effort
to look deep beneath the surface. And frankly, as you will find out in this writing, you’d better.

Communion is sacred, and glorious, and deadly serious. It is a magnificent and solemn Christian ceremony
that is meant to draw us ever closer and more intimate with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What is the Purpose of Communion?

This is a question with many facets. It takes some digging to get the full meaning of “taking communion”, and
for that we need to begin with the Scripture.

(KJV 1 Corinthians 11:24-26) - And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is
broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped,
saying, this cup is the New Testament [covenant] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Jesus plainly says to take bread and remember as you eat it that it represents His broken body, which he
willingly allowed to be broken for us. As well, we are to take wine, and as we drink it we are to remember that
this wine represents his blood, which He willingly shed for the remission of our sins under “the new testament
[covenant]”.

What, exactly, is the “new covenant”?

To understand this part of what communion really is, it is first necessary to understand what the new
covenant consists of. Again, let’s go to the Scripture.

(KJV Jeremiah 31:31-34) - Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of
Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took
them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto
them, saith the LORD: 33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the
LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my
people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for
they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.
This new covenant was announced by God through the prophet Jeramiah about 600 years before Jesus was
born, and the Scripture clearly states the reason God had for making a new covenant: Because the Jewish
people [Israel] could not keep the conditions of the old one.

God also clearly states the terms [and the blessings] of the new covenant [remember that this is a blood
covenant, ratified by the blood of Jesus]:

1) I will put my law in their inward parts. (He will write His law deep within us/in our spirits and in our minds)
2) I will write it [My law] in their hearts. ( the old [law] covenant was written on cold stone tablets)
3) I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
4) They shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for
they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them.
5) I will forgive their iniquity.
6) I will remember their sin no more.

A biblical covenant is a serious thing, and in our time is not much understood. Due to this lack of
understanding, the deadly seriousness of a covenant (especially a blood covenant) tends to be glossed over.
That is a huge mistake. We lose insight into how solemnly God views this covenant, its momentous
significance to us, and into God’s power, glory, and goodness towards us.

It is crucial to understand exactly the importance with which a blood covenant was regarded in biblical times
by the people of the middle-east. We today might consider it as just a simple agreement between two parties,
like a contract that could be disregarded or nullified if we just have the right attorney. A blood covenant goes
far beyond what we perceive today however.

Covenants in general in the ancient Middle East required two parties and a formal blood-sacrifice for
ratification wherein both sides agree to abide by the terms specified.

To get an in-depth look, we can study “The Blood Covenant”, by R. Richard Pustelniak, Congregational Leader,
Beit Avanim Chaiot below.

I. Introduction

(Gen 15:7-18) Then He said to him, "I {am} the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to
inherit it." And he said, "Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?" So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old
heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." Then he brought all these
to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in
two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down,
a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror {and} great darkness fell upon him...And it came to pass, when the sun
went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those
pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram...

A blood covenant is a joining of 2 or more persons, families, clans, tribes, or nations, where the participants
agree to do or refrain from doing certain acts.

There are three types of blood covenants:

 1. The Patriarchal Covenant: The patriarchal form of covenant is a self-imposed obligation of a superior
party, to the benefit of an inferior party. In this form, the terms the parties use to refer to each other
are: father and son.

For example: God's self-imposed obligation for the reconciliation of sinners to Himself in (Deut 7:6-8), and
God's covenant with David in (Ps 89:3, 4).

2. The Vassal Covenant: The vassal form of covenant is a one-sided disposition imposed by a superior
party upon an inferior party. In this form, the terms the parties use to refer to each other are:
lord/master and servant/slave.

For example: the Mosaic covenant in (Josh 23:16).

3. The Mutual Covenant: The mutual form of covenant is a two-sided agreement between two parties,
both of which voluntarily accept the terms. In this form, the terms the parties use to refer to each
other are: brother or friend.

For example: the covenant between Jonathan and David in (1Sam 18:3). Modern marriage is also an
example of this type.

II. Terms

A. Brother/Friend

"Blood is thicker than water."

This phrase has completely lost its original, covenant-related, meaning. Today, it is interpreted as
meaning that blood-related family members are to be considered as more important than anyone else.
However, the original meaning is, "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,"
or, "My relationship with those to whom I am joined in covenant is to be considered of more value
than the relationship with a brother with whom I may have shared the womb."

(Prov18:24)"...there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."

The term friend has also lost its original meaning. More than an acquaintance or one that I have some
amount of affection for, it is actually a term to be used to refer to one with whom I am joined, in
covenant.

B. General Terms

Excluding chesed, all of the following terms can somehow be connected with terminology in ancient near
eastern treaties:

B'rit (Hebrew) or Diathêke (Greek) Translated testament or covenant (preferred)

Karât B'rit (Hebrew) Literally, to cut a covenant

Chesed (Hebrew) Covenant love or solidarity

Shalom (Hebrew) Peace or prosperity

Yeidah (Hebrew) to serve faithfully in accordance with covenant terms

C. The Covenant Process:

There are 8 steps involved in establishing a biblical-style blood covenant.

I. The basis of the covenant.

II. The Cutting of the (Innocent) Animals.
III. The Coat Exchange.
IV. The Weapon Exchange.
V. The 'Way' or 'Walk' of Blood.
VI. The Covenant Cut.
VII. The Name Exchange.
VIII. The Covenant Feast.

These are explained in great detail below.

III. Basis of the Covenant (1st Step)

A. Determination of Terms of the Covenant

1. Based on needs, strengths, and weaknesses.

2. Family or tribal members come together and discuss the terms of the covenant. When terms have
been agreed upon, representatives are chosen.

3. Marriage is an example of the linking of tribes or families, based on needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
For example, simply to cement a peace agreement or establish relationships between families, tribes,
or kingdoms.

(Gen34:21-23) These men {are} at peace with us. Therefore let them dwell in the land and trade in it. For indeed the land
{is} large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us as wives, and let us give them our daughters. Only on this
{condition} will the men consent to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they {are}
circumcised. {Will} not their livestock, their property, and every animal of theirs {be} ours? Only let us consent to them,
and they will dwell with us.

B. Chesed Foundation

Mutual and Patriarchal covenants are founded on chesed love.

Example: The covenant between Jonathan and David

 The Covenant 'Cut'

(1Sam18:1-4) Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and
Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father's house
anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the
robe that {was} on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.
(1Sam 20:16, 17) So Jonathan made {a covenant} with the house of David, {saying,} "Let the Lord require {it} at the hand
of David's enemies." Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his
own soul.

 The Covenant 'Described'

(2Sam1:25, 26) How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan {was} slain in your high places. I am
distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me; your love to me was wonderful, surpassing
the love of women.

 Love, especially chesed love, is not what you feel! It's what you do!

 Covenant is action not philosophy.

 Note: (John 3:16) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..."

IV. The Cutting of the (Innocent) Animals (2nd Step)

3 or more large animals are cut in half, lengthwise, and the pieces are placed lengthwise up against each
other.

A. Marriage

Possible symbolism during the ceremony: The families and friends are seated on opposite sides of the room.

B. Torah

The covenant ceremony between God and Abraham:

(Gen 15:7-18) Then He said to him, "I {am} the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to
inherit it." And he said, "Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?" So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old
heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." Then he brought all these
to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in
two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down,
a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror {and} great darkness fell upon him...And it came to pass, when the sun
went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those
pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram...

C. Nevi'im

The covenant ceremony between the Israelites and God:

(Jer 34:18) And I will give the men who have transgressed My covenant, who have not performed the words of the
covenant which they made before Me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between the parts of it...

D. Contemporary Practice
In remote, tribal, areas of Africa, the lengthwise cutting of animals for the covenant ceremony is still practiced
today.

V. Coat Exchange (3rd Step)

Coats are exchanged by the representatives.

A. Meaning

The coat is or contains the symbols of all the authority of family, tribe, or individual. (Ex: Today's military dress
uniform—from the coat, one can discern authority and position)

B. Torah

Joseph's coat of many colors—not just a pretty coat, but a symbol of Israel's intention to bestow the
inheritance on Joseph:

(Gen 37:3) Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he {was} the son of his old age. Also he made him
a tunic of {many} colors.

C. Khetuvim

The coat exchange between Jonathan and David:

(1Sam 18:1-4) Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and
Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father's house
anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the
robe that {was} on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

The mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha:

(1Kgs 19:19) So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who {was} plowing {with} twelve yoke {of
oxen} before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.

D. B'rit HaChadashah

As a result of entering a covenant relationship with the Holy One, blessed be He, we shall be clothed with His
righteousness:

(Rev 3:18) I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may
be clothed, {that} the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may
see.

VI. Weapon Exchange (4th Step)

Weapon belts are exchanged by the participants, while saying: "I shall teach you and protect you."
A. Khetuvim

Weapon exchange between Jonathan and David:

(1Sam 18:3, 4) Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off
the robe that {was} on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

B. B'rit HaChadashah

We have been given God's armor for warfare:

(2Cor 10:4) For the weapons of our warfare {are} not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds...
(Eph 6:13-17) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which
you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God;

Note: There is no protection from the rear. If you stand and fight the enemy God will not only go before you to
fight for you, as He has promised, but He will also cover your back:

(Isa 58:6-8) {Is} this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let
the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? {Is it} not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring
to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your
own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your
righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

VII. 'Way' or 'Walk' of Blood (5th Step)

Both representatives walk to and fro between the pieces, in a figure-8, twice (Note: The symbol for infinity is a
figure-8 on its side. Can this be its origin?). Then both parties stop and swear unto death while standing in the
midst of the blood, swearing by God (thus making God their 3rd party) to kill the covenant breaker and his seed
(all his family) after him if the terms of the covenant are breached. (It would be hard to get more serious than
this)

A. Marriage

Possible symbolism in the marriage ceremony: The passing between the pieces (the two groups, one on either
side) as the bride comes forward?

B: Torah

The Glory of the Lord passing through the pieces during the covenant ceremony between God and Father
Abraham:

(Gen 15:17) And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven
and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.
This is the first appearance, in Scripture of the Shekhinah (Glory of God, the manifestation of His Divine
Presence), as described here, also:

(Ex 13:21, 22) And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to
give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night
{from} before the people.

There is none greater than God, so He swears by Himself:

(Heb 6:13, 14) Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to
them, "I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your
descendants, and they shall inherit {it} forever." For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by
no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."

(Jer 22:5) "But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself," says the Lord, "that this house shall become a
desolation."

C. Stones of Remembrance

Often a large stone or pile of stones is set up to bear witness also to the oath, as in the covenant cut between
Jacob and Laban:

(Gen 31:44-49) "Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and me."
So Jacob took a stone and set it up {as} a pillar. Then Jacob said to his brethren, "Gather stones." And they took stones
and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. And Laban
said, "This heap {is} a witness between you and me this day." Therefore its name was called Galeed, also Mizpah,
because he said, "May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another."

VIII. Covenant Cut (6th Step)

The right hands of both participants (or some other part of the body) are cut, the right hands are bound
together (so that their blood is mingled together), and raised, and swearing by the blood of both families or
tribes is made, followed by the statement, "I will never leave you or forsake you, so help me God." (Note the
similarity to the raised hand when swearing in for court testimony). The cut is then treated so that it won't
infect, but mostly so that a scar will well up, never to go away (a symbol, token, or sign of the covenant, born
in the flesh).

A. Marriage

The wedding ring is a replacement (albeit removable) for the covenant scar, which used to be around the right
thumb.

B. Torah

The circumcision of the Abrahamic covenant:

(Gen 17:10, 11) This {is} My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every
male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a
sign of the covenant between Me and you.

C. B'rit HaChadashah

The sign of the covenant for us is the circumcision of the heart (the cutting away of the flesh, yielding a new,
sensitive, submissive heart). Note that the instrument is not a knife, but the sword of God, His Word, wielded
and attested to by the Ruach HaKodesh (Spirit of the Holy One).

D. The Mashiach, Himself

Y'Shua (Jesus) still bears the marks of crucifixion (Could these be covenant scars?):

(John 20:25-27) The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in
His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not
believe." And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Y'Shua came, the doors being shut,
and stood in the midst, and said, “Shalom aleichem! (Peace be to you)" Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here,
and look at My hands; and reach your hand {here,} and put {it} into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."

IX. Name Exchange (7th Step)

Both the names of the representatives and the represented are changed or merged to reflect the new
covenant relationship (To have one's name is to operate in his authority).

A. Marriage

Names of individuals often carry the evidence of past covenants (ex: John Jones Smith, or especially in Spain:
Frederico Gonzales Ramirez Gutierrez Ramos).

B. Torah

Abram and Sarai were renamed to Abraham and Sarah:

(Gen 17:5) No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of
many nations.

Jacob was renamed Israel:

(Gen 32:27, 28) So He said to him, "What {is} your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be
called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

C. B'rit HaChadashah

We have been given the power to ask of the Father is the name of the Son (power of attorney?):
(Mk 16:17, 18) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with
new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay
hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Those in covenant relationship with God, in Y'Shua, have (or will be) given new names:

(Rev 2:17) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some
of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows
except him who receives {it.}

(Rev 3:12) He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will
write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of
heaven from My God. And {I will write on him} My new name.

X. Covenant Feast (8th Step)

The entire households, tribes, or families come together to share a meal or feast (further making them one,
because the same food becomes part of the bodies of both sides). The elders first feed one another saying,
"This is my body, take, eat." (Meaning: I'll die and let you eat my flesh before I'll let you starve). Then, the
elders feed each other wine representing blood (life). (Meaning: everything that I have is yours, even
daughters, sons, food, possessions (cf. Gen. 34:23), everything. Then, the rest of the families feed each other
bread and wine. Thus entering the covenant relationship, never to leave or forsake, ever.

A. Marriage

The feeding of the cake to each other, by the bride and groom, and the drinking of the champagne with
interlocked arms.

The Seudat Mitzvah (Covenant Meal) shared by bride and groom, and all witnesses after the wedding
ceremony, in modern Jewish weddings.

B. Torah

Abimelech and Issac observed a covenant meal, as a part of the covenant of peace and friendship that they cut
together:

(Gen 26:28-31) But they said, "We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, 'Let there now be an oath between us,
between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since
we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You {are} now the blessed of the Lord.'" So he made them
a feast, and they ate and drank. Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them
away, and they departed from him in peace.

C. Khetuvim

The partaking of the moldy bread and wine from cracked and dirty wineskins in the covenant ceremony
between the Israelites and the Gibeonites:
(Josh 9:12-14) "This bread of ours we took hot {for} our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now
look, it is dry and moldy. And these wineskins which we filled {were} new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our
sandals have become old because of the very long journey." Then the men of Israel partook some of their provisions; but they did
not ask counsel of the Lord.

D. B'rit HaChadashah

The Messianic interpretation, given by Y'Shua the Messiah, of the afikoman (hidden loaf) and the third cup
(the cup of redemption), both parts of the Passover Seder:

(Matt 26:26-28) And as they were eating, Y'Shua took bread, blessed and broke {it,} and gave {it} to the disciples and
said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave {it} to them, saying, "Drink from it, all
of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

XI. Conclusion

A. Covenant Language

"I will hold you forever in my heart, as if I were standing here in the blood of the covenant."

B. Our Relationship with God

Our relationship with the Lord is a covenant, therefore:

 You may surely stand on the covenant promises.

 You must honor your covenant responsibilities:

o Love the Lord your God with all that you are.

o Love your neighbor as yourself.

o Rest in the faithfulness of God.

C. The Serious Nature of Covenants

Covenants are not to be entered into lightly, for God will require them of you. To swear an oath, or enter into
a covenant, is to bring HaShem in as a witness and judge. He will protect His name and we should do the
same.

(Lev 19:12 NIV) Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.

God held Israel responsible for breaking a covenant, that they were not supposed to enter into in the first
place, several hundred years later:

 The Forbidden Covenant Specified:

(Ex 23:31-33) And I will set your bounds from the Red Sea to the sea, Philistia, and from the desert to the River. For I will
deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. You shall make no covenant
with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. For {if} you serve
their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.

 The Forbidden Covenant Entered:

(Josh 9:15-19) So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the
congregation swore to them. And it happened at the end of three days, after they had made a covenant with them, that
they heard that they {were} their neighbors who dwelt near them. Then the children of Israel journeyed and came to their
cities on the third day. Now their cities {were} Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath Jearim. But the children of Israel
did not attack them, because the rulers of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the
congregation complained against the rulers. Then all the rulers said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by
the Lord God of Israel; now therefore, we may not touch them."

 The Forbidden Covenant Enforced:

(2Sam 21:1-9) Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the
Lord. And the Lord answered, "{It is} because of Saul and {his} bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites." So
the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites {were} not of the children of Israel, but of the
remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn protection to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal
for the children of Israel and Judah. Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? And with what shall
I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord?" And the Gibeonites said to him, "We will have no
silver or gold from Saul or from his house, nor shall you kill any man in Israel for us." So he said, "Whatever you say, I will
do for you." Then they answered the king, "As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us, {that} we should be
destroyed from remaining in any of the territories of Israel, let seven men of his descendants be delivered to us, and we
will hang them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, {whom} the Lord chose." And the king said, "I will give {them."} But the
king spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the Lord's oath that {was} between them,
between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the
daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for
Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; and he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged
them on the hill before the Lord. So they fell, {all} seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first
{days,} in the beginning of barley harvest.

Notice: David respected his covenant with Jonathan in responding to the request of the Gibeonites.

As we have seen, the deadly seriousness of a true blood covenant cannot be overstated or overemphasized.
We have now gotten a glimpse of the significance, the momentousness and sacredness with which God views
His covenant that He made with us through the sacrificing of His only begotten son. When we take
communion we must be mindful of this and acknowledge it in our hearts.

A biblical covenant is an agreement made by God on mankind's behalf, wherein God undertakes to bless all
those who faithfully follow Him.

God's part is two-fold: He supplies blessing (culminating in resurrection and eternal life), and He provides the
blood-sacrifice (the gift of His Son, necessary to redeem us from sin so that we may be blessed).

Our part is to keep faith with Him (i.e., accepting Christ and continuing to trust Him, believe Him, obey Him,
and follow Him: cf. Gen.15:6).
God's covenants are formalized promises that provide those who have set their hearts on following Him with a
strong basis for confident hope, because God has not only promised the eternal life and concomitant blessings
we eagerly await, but has irrevocably bound Himself to fulfill them.

Therefore, although part of these covenants' fulfillment is still yet future (requiring those who accept God's
gracious offer of salvation which is at the heart of both covenants to trust Him while waiting patiently for
fulfillment after the pattern of Abraham's faith and patience), fulfillment is absolutely certain for all who
embrace the promises and persevere in faith.

Both Old and New Covenants are ratified by blood: the Old through the shadow of animal blood, the New
through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross (where the reality of His death on our behalf and in our
place [and wherein He did not bleed to death: Jn.19:30-37] is symbolized by the phrase "the blood of Christ":
Heb.9:16-22).

God promises, formalizes the promises, and pays the most severe price to fulfill the covenants He has
established - the price being the sacrifice of His only beloved Son.

We benefit from His unconditional and glorious act of grace, if we but trust in Jesus and stay faithful to Him.
Whether it be present day believers who partake of the communion which proclaims the completed reality of
salvation through the blood of Christ (Matt.26:26-29), or believers of the past who partook of sacrificial meals
"of covenant" that foreshadowed the future reality of salvation (Ex.12:1-12; cf. Gen.31:51-54), our
participation "proclaims the death of Jesus until He comes" (1Cor.11:26) and so pledges our continuing faith
and faithfulness.

The old, shadow covenant(s) (cf. Ezek.16:60 "covenant of youth") and the memorial, "New" covenant (cf.
Ezek.16:60 "everlasting covenant) thus both proclaim the salvation to which we are heirs and partakers by the
work of God through our continuing faith in Jesus Christ [from “Covenants" in Part 5 of the Satanic Rebellion
series].

Thus "proclaiming the death of Jesus until He comes" (1Cor.11:26) really is the reason why Jesus gave us this
one genuine "sacrament" in which we are to participate, because by doing so we show the world (and remind
ourselves) that He has bought us and that we believe in Him and have received the blessings of His work on
the cross.

Now we can grasp the true import and significance of a blood covenant. And now we begin to understand
how intensely solemn and holy our frame of mind should be when we partake in communion, and how vital it
is that we have a deep understanding of all that is involved, and the true meaning of what we are about to do.

Why Should I receive communion?

Is it a commandment?

Yes.

(KJV 1 Corinthians 11:24-26) - And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is
broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped,
saying, this cup is the new testament [covenant] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Jesus plainly states we are to receive communion. This was not just for His disciples, any more than the New
Testament was just for His disciples.

Communion offers us a special opportunity to “Remember” the sacrifices of Jesus at the time of his passion
and death as well as to reflect on the many examples of Love and Mercy which he gave us throughout his life
and ministry on earth.

We “Remember” so we might follow in the Footsteps of the Master, a path which will require much
commitment and the development of character of soul; a path for which we will need to refresh our hearts
and minds on a regular basis in order to continue in our daily resolve to become those who are known by their
Fruit.

Communion involves Belief, in that we reflect on the past, on what occurred in the life of Jesus some 2000
years ago.

Yet, as we “Remember” we are also reminded of what is possible for our souls to achieve by the Grace of God.

Communion is also the acknowledgement of the new covenant between God and man.

Who can receive communion?

Is it just for Catholics or Jews?

No. Nowhere in scripture does it state that you have to be of a particular denomination to partake in
communion. There were no denominations at the time Jesus gave us this commandment. And if you want to
get technical, there aren’t supposed to even be denominations according to the writings of the Apostle Paul.
(1 Corinthians 1:10) 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.

Do I have to be saved to receive communion?

Yes. What would be the point otherwise? In fact, as the Scripture tells us, it might be dangerous if you take
communion without having received the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ; you can actually bring harm to
yourself, as we will cover later.

Do I have to be baptized in order to receive communion?

There is no requirement that it must be so in the Scripture.

Can my kids partake in communion?

Not unless they are old enough to understand and meet the requirements of a proper communion. Again,
there are warnings about taking communion in an unworthy manner. If a child (or anyone else) cannot truly
understand what communion really is, and is not therefore able to meet the requirements the Scripture
stipulates, then they should definitely not participate in communion.

When Should I Receive Communion?

How often should I receive communion?

As often as you like, only be certain you don’t allow it to become merely a habit, thereby trivializing the
ceremony in your mind.

How do I know when to receive communion?

Only you can answer this. Do you feel lost? Alone? Far from God? Grateful to God? Sad? Overjoyed? Are you
under attack from the enemy? Any of these would be a time to take communion. Search your heart, what is it
telling you?

Is there something in the Bible that says when or how often to take communion?

No. Jesus says only “this do in remembrance of Me”. No frequency is mentioned. Still, if you are seeking Him,
I believe your heart will tell you when it’s time.

Where Should I Receive Communion, and Who Should

Administer It?
Doesn’t it have to be administered by a priest?

No.

There is no Scripture that says anyone has to administer communion to you except yourself. If you don’t feel
qualified or worthy of doing so, please take note of the scripture below from the Book of Revelation, where
John reveals a truth of how God sees us.

In my mind, this more than qualifies me to administer communion to my family, or you to yours.

Revelation 1:5 …..Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of
the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made
us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen

Shouldn’t communion be done only in church?

No.
There is in evangelical circles the sense abroad that somehow only a communion service presided over by an
ordained pastor and occurring in a local church setting could ever be legitimate.

Scripture does not support that view. Jesus told His disciples and, by application, told us all in 1 Cor. 11:24, to
"keep on doing" communion until He returned in order to preserve our memory of Him and our sense of
commitment to Him (and to make that obvious to the whole world thereby).

The context of 1st Corinthians chapter eleven makes very clear the solemnity of this one and only true ritual of
the Church wherein Christ's Person (bread) and what was accomplished by the shedding of His blood on the
cross (wine) are clearly and graphically represented, and wherein our participation in His Person and His
accomplishment is likewise tangibly and powerfully represented by our eating of these symbols, a very clear
representation of our abiding faith in Him and His sacrifice for us (cf. Jn.6:25-59).

That is the point of communion - to proclaim and remind and focus on that koinonia oneness with the Son
whom we believe, love and serve (i.e., "communion" is a translation of koinonia which means "oneness" or
"fellowship").

Can I do it at home?

Why not? What better place than at home with those you love? There is absolutely no Scripture that says
otherwise.

How do I receive communion?

Will taking communion absolve me of my sins?

Most definitely not. Only the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior can do that.

Furthermore, communion is also definitely not a vehicle for "dispensing God’s grace" (as it is commonly
misrepresented to be whether overtly or subliminally).

What if I’ve done things I haven’t repented of?

You must definitely repent, and ask for and receive (by faith) forgiveness before you partake in communion. If
you have not repented you will be taking communion in an unworthy manner.

What if I’m holding a grudge against someone?

You must definitely forgive anyone you have anything against. (Matthew 6: 14-15): “For if ye forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses.”

If you are in a state of unforgiveness it will be impossible for you to partake in communion in a worthy
manner.
Learning how to forgive is one of the reasons why we come to the Communion Table in the first place. Take
the first step in preparing for Communion by simply pausing to ask the Holy Spirit, to bring to your attention
any areas of your love walk where we might need to come up higher; you should ask God to show you any
areas of unforgiveness you might be holding against any person.

What are the benefits of taking communion?

They are many. Drawing closer to God, becoming more attuned to His will, becoming more able to listen and
to hear what He is saying to you are just a few.

Do I have to drink wine?

That is up to you, but the Scripture says wine.

There is a mistaken belief in some Christian circles that “Jesus would never drink alcohol”. That is heresy,
plain and simple.

The bible clearly states, and in more than one place, that he did drink wine.

Keep in mind that there were no refrigerators in the time of Jesus, and therefore no preserved grape juice as
we know it available to most people since there would have been no way to preserve it. The only possible
way to preserve the juice was to ferment it into wine.

In what manner should I receive communion?

The key to proper communion lies in the hearts and in the spirits of those who partake. Proper understanding
of what the ceremony means, and reverence in conducting the ceremony are the true points at issue:

(1 Corinthians 11:27) Therefore whoever eats the [communion] bread or drinks the [communion] cup of the Lord in an
unworthy way is guilty [of offense against] the body and the blood of the Lord. (28) So let [each] person evaluate himself
and in this manner (i.e., following confession of all sins remembered in such reflection) let him eat of the bread and drink
of the cup. (29) For the person who eats and drinks eats and drinks judgment for himself if he does not evaluate his body
[aright] (i.e., refusing first to repent and confess). (30) It is for this [very] reason that many among you are sick and infirm
– and not a few have passed away. (31) But if we were evaluating ourselves [so as to repent and confess], we would not
be falling under judgment. (32) And when we are being judged [for this offense], it is by the Lord that we are being
disciplined, to the end that we might not be condemned (lit., "terminally judged") along with the world.

The Message translation puts it like this: (1 Corinthians 11:23-32) Let me go over with you again exactly what goes
on in the Lord's Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and
passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. 24 Having given thanks, he broke it
and said, This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me. 25 After supper, he did the same thing with the cup:
This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me. 26 What you must
solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and
actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must
never let familiarity breed contempt. 27 Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like
part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of "remembrance" you want to be part of? 28
Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe. 29 If you give no thought (or worse, don't care)
about the broken body of the Master when you eat and drink, you're running the risk of serious consequences. 30 That's
why so many of you even now are listless and sick, and others have gone to an early grave. 31 If we get this straight
now, we won't have to be straightened out later on. 32 Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery
confrontation later.

Communion is the one remaining ceremony authorized for Jesus' church; the one time we approach God to
remember Him in a formal way.

Therefore the seriousness of the event and the extreme importance of our doing so in a wholly sanctified way
cannot be emphasized strongly enough (cf. Lev.10:1-3). And it is certainly fitting when we remember Him in
communion to remind ourselves that we are here to walk as He walked.

(1st Corinthians 11:23-25)- For [on this matter] I received [directly] from the Lord what I passed on to you, namely that
on the night on which He was betrayed He took bread and having blessed it He broke it and said, "This is my body which
is [offered up] on your behalf. Keep on doing this in order to remember Me". And in the same way [after eating] He took
the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant [made] by my blood. Keep on doing this as often as you drink [it] in order
to remember Me".

So, prior to approaching the Lord’s Table, we seek the Spirit (which is Grace,) to “discern” our hearts and
motives and ask, that any remaining “tare” (false wheat or hindering element) be brought to our attention for
healing and cleansing, especially with reference to the need to forgive or apply mercy somewhere in our lives.

This is done, so that we might “take Communion” with a clean heart, as it is possible to come to the Table in
an unworthy condition by taking Communion before clearing one’s heart of unforgiveness.

In the book of Matthew we find:

(Matthew 6: 7-13, KJV) “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be
heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,
before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye..."

Our Father which art in heaven

Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the Glory for ever… Amen”

Immediately after Jesus teaches this prayer He adds in verse 14-15: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses.”

Once again, we see how important that Mercy and Forgiveness is to Jesus.

Is there a standard prayer or ceremony or ritual I need to perform?

No, other than that mentioned in 1 Corinthians.

(KJV 1 Corinthians 11:24-26) - And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is
broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped,
saying, this cup is the new testament [covenant] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Come up with your own service or ceremony as God leads you to; just be wary that the practice of your
“ritual” does not become more important to you than the intent of the ritual.

Having said that, here are a few suggestions that you might incorporate in your communion service. This is
how we personally receive communion in our home – the ceremony has many different sources, we just
incorporated those, which after lots of prayer, that seemed right to us.

Use these or not, as you please.

1. Prepare yourself.
2. Prepare the host (the sacrament; the bread and the wine).
3. Break the bread and distribute it.
4. Pour the wine and distribute it.
5. Conduct the service.

Prepare yourself

1) Reflect on why we take communion

a) We “Remember” so we might follow in the Footsteps of the Master
b) We reflect on the past, on what occurred in the life of Jesus some 2000 years ago
c) As we “Remember” we are also reminded of what is possible for our souls to achieve by the Grace of
God.
d) We do it to remember and take/reaffirm our part in the new covenant.

2) Seek the Spirit (which is Grace,) to “discern” our hearts and motives and ask, that any remaining “tare”
(false wheat or hindering element) be brought to our attention for healing and cleansing, so that we might
take Communion with a clean heart, so that we don’t come to the Table in an unworthy condition.

3) Ask to be shown by God any areas of unforgiveness which you might be holding – then forgive as an act of
faith, again so that you might take Communion with a clean heart.

4) Confess to God and repent of any sin that the Spirit has brought to your mind.

5) Make sure you come to the communion table with proper reverence and in holy awe.

6) Give reverence and thought to the broken body of the Master when taking the communion bread. Think
about the fact that Jesus bore all our sickness and disease on that cross, and that He did it so that we
would not have to.
7) Give reverence and thought to the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross, and that He did it so that God’s
brand new covenant with you and me could be enacted and sealed.

Preparing and Blessing the Sacrament (the gifts; the bread and wine)

Set out your communion table, with the bread un-broken on a plate, and the wine un-poured, with the glasses
or cups you intend to use. Also set out a bowl of water and a towel for the one conducting the service.

Offering of Bread

The celebrant takes the un-broken bread on a plate and, raising it, prays:

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has
given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.

Offering of Wine

After he has offered the bread the celebrant takes the un-poured wine and, raising it, prays:

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Though your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine
and work of human hands. It will become for us our spiritual drink.

Hand Washing

The celebrant (person conducting your service) washes his hands before taking up, breaking, and distributing
the bread about to become the body of Christ, and before pouring and distributing the wine about to become
the blood of Christ.

We take this from the writing of St. Cyril of Jerusalem in the fourth century: “This action shows that we must
be free from all sin. We perform actions with our hands; to wash our hands is the nearest thing to purifying our
deeds.”

This is the way the celebrant should understand it: To express his desire to be cleansed within, he washes his
hands at the side of the altar while he prays this prayer taken from Psalm 51.

Psalm 51:1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy
tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my
sin.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

After hand washing, the celebrant holds his hands over the bread and the wine and prays:

Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite
hearts.

We come to you, Father, with praise and thanksgiving in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, to bless and
sanctify this bread and wine to the souls of all those who receive them.

We pray that we may eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of your Son, and witness to you, O
God, that we are willing to take upon us the name of your Son, and always remember him and keep the
commandments which he has given them, that we may always have his Spirit to be with us.

In Jesus’ name we ask you to accept, and bless, and approve these gifts we offer you in sacrifice; make them
acceptable to you; an offering in spirit and in truth.

In Jesus’ name we ask you to change them through the Holy Spirit, and let them become for us the body and
the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, your only begotten Son.

Amen

Celebrant breaks the bread and distributes it.

Celebrant pours the wine and distributes it.

Celebrant begins the service.

1) We usually begin with the Lord’s prayer:

Our Father which art in heaven

Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the Glory for ever… Amen”

2) All take the bread; the celebrant praying: Lord Jesus, we take this bread in remembrance of your body,
which you allowed to be broken for us. We remember that you bore all our sickness, all our disease, all our
infirmities, and we profess that that by Your grace we no longer are subject to these. You have borne our
 griefs, and carried our sorrows. We remember that You were bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of
our peace was upon You; and with Your stripes we are healed. We remember that you willingly sacrificed
yourself to fulfil the law of the Old Testament, and to redeem us from the curse we were born under when
Adam gave away his dominion. We receive this by our faith in you; that by sacrificing yourself you made us
absolutely whole; spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, and in every other way, and that we are
complete and that we lack nothing. We remember, and acknowledge, and proclaim that you bought back
our dominion with your life, and that satan now has neither power nor authority over us on this earth. We
profess all these and take now this bread in remembrance of Your body.

3) All say “Amen”

4) All eat the bread.

5) All take the cup; the celebrant praying: Lord Jesus, we take this cup as you have commanded us to do in
remembrance of You. We remember that You willingly permitted Your blood to be shed on the cross. We
remember that by Your blood sacrifice you have fulfilled all the law of the Old Testament, and that Your
blood represents the new covenant that God has made with us. We remember that your blood has
absolved us of all sin, and that you stand as our intercessor and our advocate between us and the Almighty
God. We remember and believe by our faith that Your blood price purchased us personal access to God our
Father, and the right to pray to Him directly. As You have commanded: that we might show Your death
until You return, we now take this cup in remembrance of the blood You shed for us.

6) All say “Amen”

7) All drink the cup.

8) Closing prayer.