1 John and Communion
As we gather this Sunday to conclude our 14-week journey through 1 John, we’ll not only reflect on the truths found in 1 John 5:13-21 but also enter into a time of Communion, a sacred reminder of the very truths John has been teaching us throughout his letter.
The Certainty of Eternal Life and Communion
In 1 John 5:13, John writes: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” This entire letter has been about assurance of our salvation, our fellowship with God, and the assurance of victory over sin through Jesus Christ. We are reminded of this certainty as we come to the Lord’s table. Communion is a physical representation of that assurance—the body and blood of Christ given for us to have eternal life. As we take the bread and the cup, we do so, knowing that our eternal life is secured through His sacrifice.
Victory Over Sin and Communion
John also emphasizes in this closing passage that those born of God do not continue in sin, for “the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 John 5:18). Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have victory over sin and the powers of darkness. Communion reminds us of the cost of that victory—the broken body and blood of Jesus, who paid the price for our sins. Through His sacrifice, we are made new, no longer slaves to sin but walking in the freedom He provides.
As we break the bread, we remember Jesus's physical suffering for our sins. As we drink from the cup, we recall the blood that was shed, the blood that cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). This act of Communion is a proclamation that, through His sacrifice, Jesus has overcome.
Belonging to God and Communion
In 1 John 5:19, John writes, “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”Through Jesus, we are no longer part of the world; we belong to God. Communion reminds us of our new identity as children of God. Just as the early church broke bread together as a sign of their unity in Christ, we come together now, united by His sacrifice, proclaiming that we are His.
The bread and the cup symbolize our new covenant with God through Jesus. They remind us that we are part of God’s family, secured by Christ’s love and sacrifice.
Communion as Worship and Guarding Against Idols
John’s last command in this letter is an abrupt but powerful one: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). As we approach Communion, this serves as a reminder to examine our hearts. Are there idols—material things, ambitions, or desires—taking Christ’s place in our lives? Communion is a time to realign our hearts, refocusing on Christ, the One who gave His life for us. As we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we declare that Jesus is Lord, that no idol can take His place in our hearts, and that we worship Him alone.
Communion: A Response to God’s Love
Throughout 1 John, we’ve seen the repeated theme of God’s love for us and our call to respond by loving others. Communion is a response to that love. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). As we partake of the bread and cup, we are responding to the ultimate demonstration of God’s love—the sacrifice of His Son. In this sacred moment, we remember and celebrate the love poured out for us, and we commit to live in that love toward one another.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our study of 1 John and gather for Communion, let’s remember:
We know we have eternal life through Christ.
We know we have victory over sin through His death and resurrection.
We know we belong to God, secure in His love and truth.
Communion is our opportunity to proclaim these truths, celebrate our new life in Christ, and worship Him for the great gift of salvation. Let us approach the table with grateful hearts, remembering all that Christ has done, and commit ourselves to living in the assurance and victory He provides.