Is baptism required before a person can partake of Communion?

TL;DR:

The Bible does not explicitly require baptism before Communion; however, the New Testament pattern is one of belief, baptism, and then participation in the Lord’s Supper. Many churches encourage baptism first to ensure the Supper is received by those who genuinely trust in Christ.

what does the bible say?

The New Testament describes Communion as a memorial meal given by Jesus to His followers. He commanded His disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup in remembrance of Him, proclaiming His death until He returns (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Baptism, by contrast, is the public declaration of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection, marking their entrance into the community of faith (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4).

In Scripture, baptism always follows belief and precedes ongoing participation in the life of the church. Those who trusted in Christ were immediately baptized and then joined the fellowship that gathered for teaching, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:41-42; 8:12; 16:31-34). Thus, every example shows baptism occurring before Communion, though no command explicitly requires that sequence.

Communion is reserved for believers who trust in Jesus. Paul warned against taking it in an unworthy manner, calling for self-examination and sincere faith (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). For this reason, many churches encourage or require baptism first, though Scripture allows flexibility under the guidance of church leadership for any true believer to share in the Lord’s table.

from the old testament

The topic of baptism being required before partaking in Communion is not addressed in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

Jesus instituted Communion on the night He was betrayed, commanding His followers to eat the bread and drink the cup in memory of His sacrifice until He returns (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Lord’s Supper visibly points to the unity of believers with Christ and with one another through His body and blood.
Baptism, in turn, is the outward sign of faith in Jesus and public identification with His death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4). It marks the beginning of discipleship and entry into the visible community of believers. Through baptism, Christians confess that they have turned from sin and received new life in Christ.
Thus, both baptism and Communion are given for believers as expressions of faith. However, they have different purposes. In the New Testament record, baptism consistently followed conversion, often immediately, and thus preceded regular participation in the church’s fellowship (Acts 2:41-42; 8:12; 16:31-34). Because every believer was also a baptized believer, there are no New Testament examples of unbaptized believers sharing in Communion.

implications for today

If you are a believer who has not yet been baptized, you can take comfort in knowing that Scripture allows you to participate in Communion. The Lord’s table is for all who have trusted in Christ’s saving work and who approach it with faith and self-examination. As shown by Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross, salvation does not depend on baptism (Luke 23:39-43), so God’s grace is not withheld from those who are unbaptized.

But baptism is an important step of obedience. Jesus gave it as the first public declaration of faith—a visible way to identify with His death, burial, and resurrection and to announce to others that you belong to Him. While there may be reasons for delay, such as scheduling or church requirements, your heart should still desire to obey that “first command” given to all believers.

Ask God for wisdom and courage to take that next step (James 1:5), and speak with your church leaders about how to prepare for baptism. As you do, you’ll find that both baptism and Communion strengthen your faith, reminding you of Christ’s saving work and calling you to live in grateful obedience to Him.

understand

The Bible doesn’t mandate baptism before Communion, but the usual pattern is belief, baptism, and then Communion.
Communion is for repentant believers who examine their faith and approach it reverently.
Baptism and Communion are the two ordinances God left for His church to practice.

reflect

How does your understanding of baptism and Communion shape the way you approach the Lord’s Supper?
How do you examine your faith before participating in Communion to ensure it is done reverently?
How might taking steps toward baptism strengthen your gratitude and commitment to Christ?

engage

How does your church’s practice of baptism and Communion reflect its understanding of biblical discipleship?
What benefits and challenges do you see in encouraging baptism before Communion versus allowing any believer to participate?
How can we help one another approach Communion with faith, self-examination, and reverence?