The Value of Repetition

Does observing Communion every week make it less meaningful? Discover how repetition can deepen our remembrance of Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice and refresh our understanding of the forgiveness we have received.

By Doug Redford

October 15, 2026·2 min read

In brief

Why Weekly Communion Reminds Us of Christ’s Once-for-All Sacrifice

Weekly Communion is more than a repeated tradition. It reminds believers that Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished what the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant could not: complete forgiveness of sins. Through this regular observance, Christians are invited to remember the foundation of their salvation and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

Repetition can strengthen understanding and reinforce important spiritual truths.
Weekly Communion reminds believers that Jesus’ sacrifice for sin was completed once for all.
Observing the Lord’s Supper regularly provides an opportunity to refresh our memory of Christ’s saving work.

Repetition has always been considered an effective teaching and learning technique. It is still referred to as “the mother of learning.” Children learn actions such as riding a bicycle or tying shoelaces by repeating the action until it becomes familiar. Repetition of such practices as flossing and brushing one’s teeth and eating nutritious meals is essential to good health. Parents must often use repetition to make a point with their children, as in the oft-used line, “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times ….”

Why We Observe Communion Weekly

We observe Communion weekly, which to some makes it less meaningful or increases the likelihood of losing respect for its true meaning. But our weekly observance does not have to constitute “vain repetition.” If anything, it should remind us of something that does not have to be repeated: the offerings for sin that were part of the old covenant system. The writer of Hebrews noted the need for endless repetition of those sacrifices because “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4, New International Version). The repetition of sacrifices that the Law of Moses required provided “an annual reminder of sins” (v. 3).

Remembering Jesus’ Once-for-All Sacrifice

In contrast, our observance of Communion provides a weekly reminder of sins; however, it is a reminder that our sins have been forgiven by the all-sufficient, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, on the cross. Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God” when his sacrifice was completed, something that the old covenant priest could never do since “day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties” (Hebrews 10:11, 12). The Lord declares that because of the cross, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17, from Jeremiah 31:34). We repeat our observance of Communion as a compelling reminder that Jesus’ sacrifice requires no repetition!

In truth, repetition is important to reinforcing other areas of Christian growth, as noted by both Paul (Romans 15:15, 16) and Peter (2 Peter 1:12-15). In the latter passage, Peter expressed to his readers his desire to “refresh your memory” of the important principles of Christian growth that he had outlined in the previous verses. Those three words “refresh your memory” can be applied to what our weekly observance of Communion is designed to accomplish. Whether we’ve taken Communion once or a thousand times, we still need this “refresher course” in the foundation of our salvation.

Author: Doug Redford

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.