Many people associate communion solely with the “Lord’s Supper” or the “Eucharist.” While these practices involve communion, they are not the full meaning of it. The true mission of the Church is to come together in fellowship—to preach the gospel, minister to one another, and share our talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts to support God’s people in both their spiritual and physical needs.
So, what is the Communion of the Saints?
Communion is not solely achieved in the “Lord’s Supper” or the “Eucharist.” The Westminster Confession of Faith provides the clearest and most thorough explanation of the communion of saints.
“All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by his Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other’s gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.”
(WCF Ch. 26 Of the Communion of Saints)
Therefore, the communion of the saints involves carrying out duties for one another’s mutual benefit. While the Church is indeed obligated to practice this communion, it is not done out of resentment or compulsion, but as a willing expression of love and service. Paul says,
“Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2Co 9:7 NAS)
“For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints.”
(2Co 8:3-4 NAS)
God’s people are blessed with a variety of spiritual gifts, each granted by Him for a purpose. These gifts are meant to be used in service to one another within the gathered church. Paul calls the people of God members of the body of Christ.
“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”
(Rom 12:4-13 NAS)
The passage emphasizes that believers, though many, are united as one body in Christ, each with different gifts given by God’s grace. These gifts, such as teaching, serving, giving, leading, and showing mercy, should be used faithfully and with the right attitude. Christians are called to love sincerely, reject evil, pursue good, honor and serve one another, remain hopeful and prayerful, and generously support those in need.
So, what is a saint?
A saint is anyone who truly believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only God’s people are true believers, and therefore, they are rightly called saints. Sainthood is not a status conferred after death; rather, all of God’s people are saints in this present life.
“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.”
(Phil 1:1 NAS)
“All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
(Phil 4:22 NAS)
“For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”
(2Co 9:12 NAS)
These verses confer that all God’s people are saints.
Fellowship is essential to the Communion of the Saints?
The word “fellowship” in the Greek is “koinonia” which means to contribute, share, or participate. Believers are called to maintain holy fellowship through worship, mutual spiritual support, and practical aid, extending this communion to all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus wherever they may be. The Westminster Confession of Faith says,
“Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.”
(WCF Chapter 26 Of the Communion of Saints)
So then, “fellowship,” “contributing,” “sharing,” and “participation” are all part of communion of the saints. Fellowship is performing services to help others inwardly and outwardly. This is a required part of a Christians life.
Communion is the most integral part of the church assembly.
The communion of the saints is carried out through the assembling of the saints. This is the Church assembly, where, we have unity with God, teach God’s Word in truth, and look out for the needs and interests of each other. Fellowship in the church assembly is in unity with God and those who believe in God. Christian fellowship is based on the unity of the trinity.
“God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(1Co 1:9 NAS)
“What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
(1John 1:3 NAS)
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”
(2Co 13:14 NAS)
We have fellowship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The unity we have in the trinity is pure and holy. Those who do not believe have no true unity with God’s people. The church does not assemble for the purpose of promoting sinful Godless behavior. Christian fellowship has nothing in common with unbelievers or worldly activities.
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
(2Co 6:14 NAS)
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
(1John 1:6-7 NAS)
The purpose of communion is to strengthen one another in the faith, which is nurtured and built up through the righteous teaching of God’s Word. Christian communion is made effective through a steadfast devotion to the teaching of God’s Word and to prayer.
“And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
(Acts 2:42 NAS)
“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”
(Phm 1:4-6 NAS)
Teaching God’s Word is not to be self-serving or based on selfish motives; but, for the benefit and help of others. The purpose of communion is to serve others and not to seek out selfish needs.
“If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
(Phil 2:1-4 NAS)
This means that, in communion, Christians should practice humility and not focus solely on their own interests. True communion involves sharing in the hardships and sufferings that others experience in life.
“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”
(Phil 3:10 NAS)
Life is very difficult for many people. We as Christians are supposed to help everyone in life to bring about a better life for all.
The church fellowship is also done in outreach to the community.
In addition to teaching God’s Word, praying, and caring for others, Christians are also called to practice communion by generously providing possessions, food, clothing, money, and other essentials to help those in need.
A key reason for giving to the church is to support missionaries.
Missionaries are often unable to sustain themselves while spreading the gospel in areas where self-support is not possible. Paul says that missionaries have a right to be helped out.
“For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing…” If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you? If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.”
(1Co 9:9-12 NAS)
The Apostle Paul had a job building tents. He made his own income and did not need to take any contributions from the saints; however, this does not mean we are not to provide to those who are in need.
“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.”
(Rom 15:26-27 NAS)
“And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.”
(Acts 11:29-30 NAS)
This does not refer to pastors of local churches where the pastor can work and provide his own income. This is for ministers preaching the gospel abroad who do not have the means to support themselves.
The church is to give to the needy.
Church donations also serve to provide the poor and needy with the essentials for survival. In the time of the Apostles, believers would sell their possessions and give to the poor so they could meet their basic needs.
“For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.”
(Acts 4:34-35 NAS)
“And they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
(Acts 2:45-47 NAS)
The Saints would sell property they had in excess and give to those who were impoverished. The Communion of the Saints also involves God’s people gathering together and giving to the poor. Giving is not only reserved for God’s people; but, to those who are truly in need throughout the community.
“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
(Gal 6:9-10 NAS)
The mission of God’s people is to bring the gospel to all people, to defend the faith and explain God’s Word accurately to call sinners to repentance. The communion of saints is far more than a ritual; it is the living fellowship of God’s people united in Christ, sharing in His grace, His sufferings, and His mission. Rooted in the unity of the Trinity, this communion expresses itself through worship, teaching, prayer, generosity, service, and love. It calls believers to humbly care for one another, support the spread of the gospel, and meet both spiritual and physical needs within the Church and beyond. As saints, we are bound not only by faith, but by action, walking in the light, devoted to one another, and reflecting the love of Christ in all things.