COMMUNION OF

SAINTS
The Apostles' Creed refers to communion of the saints in reference to all believers, past and present,
who share in salvation in Jesus Christ. This includes deceased Christians who live with Christ today
and those still alive. This affirms one salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12) that applies to all people.

Some have though that "communion of the saints" refers to the ordinance of communion (also known
as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist). However, the final paragraph of this creed (in modern English),
states: "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting." The context is clearly on
believers in Christ, our common salvation and forgiveness, and our ultimate reconciliation with God
and eternal life.
Biblically, the communion of the saints can also be found in 1 Corinthians 12. In this chapter, Paul
emphasizes the church as a single body, with each member serving as individual parts working together
for the good of the whole.
The Three States of the
Church
 THE CHURCH MILITANT

The church militant is a visible church fighting an invisible battle.

Catholics attend mass regularly to unite physically the three churches.
The Holy Eucharist, known popularly as communion, is a central part of
the mass celebration. Communion, in which members receive via wine
and bread what they consider the real blood and body of Jesus, the
Christian savior, is a physical representation of the united church.
Catholics imbibe Jesus to become one with him, as are those of the
church triumphant.
 The Church Expectant

The Church Suffering, or the Church Expectant, consists of the

souls in Purgatory. This is the Church of all the faithful
departed who are saved but are still being purified in
purgatorial suffering. They cannot see God, but the Holy Spirit
is in them. Being made ready for Heaven, they will never again
sin.
 The Church Triumphant

The Church of all those in heavenly glory who have

triumphed over their evil inclinations, the seductions of
the world, and the temptations of the evil spirit.