What does eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Christ mean?

In John 6:53-56, Jesus states that unless one eats of the flesh of the Son of Man and drinks His blood, they have no life in them. This metaphorical language signifies the necessity of fully embracing and believing in Christ's sacrificial death and His atoning work for salvation. It indicates that faith in and acceptance of His body broken and blood shed is essential for spiritual life. By 'eating' and 'drinking,' believers are called to partake in a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing His sacrifice as the source of their redemption and eternal life.