Confession and Communion

-- PREFACE --

         In the Scriptures, the word “communion” is a translation of the Greek word “koinōnia,” which is more often translated as “fellowship.”  The Bible makes it clear, however, that we cannot have fellowship with God if we are unwilling to confess our sins to Him.  Therefore, we can clearly see that there is a vital connection between confession of sins to God and communion of the saints with God.  Keeping in mind this broader concept of communion, it is to be acknowledged that when we use that term, we are usually referring to the more limited sense of fellowship with God and His Church through the partaking of a small piece of bread and drinking from a cup.  Yet, here too, we can see a clear connection between confession and communion.

        When our Lord instituted the ordinance of communion He gave words of instruction to His Disciples.  The Apostle Paul faithfully reiterated those words for all who would be disciples of Christ, and he included Jesus’ repeated words, “do this in remembrance of Me” (I Cor. 11:24, 25).  However, Paul added a word of warning, as he instructed: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (11:28–29).  Surely the primary aspect of that spiritual self-examination is to be certain one is in a right relationship with God and not harboring any unconfessed sin.

        Branches in Christendom that view communion as a “sacrament” also teach of a sacrament that is often referred to as “confession,” and traditionally they have required that confession be made to one’s priest prior to partaking of communion.  Therefore, we can again see a connection between these two sacred practices, in that many people consider them as sacraments, and the Roman Catholic teaching of these two sacraments is included in this book.

       The primary purpose of this book, however, is to come to a comprehensive understanding of confession and communion as they are taught in the Scriptures — and not merely in the way they are taught by a particular church or catechism within Christendom.  Therefore, the basis for our study is the inspired Word of God, and concepts are thoroughly explained and supported from the Scriptures — with references cited and additional references to be compared (i.e., “cf.”).  It is my prayer that through the reading of these brief chapters, you will come to a deeper understanding of these two important aspects of the Christian life, and more properly engage in these acts of contrition and devotion.