Introduction
In the Sacrament of the Altar, Jesus gives us a great blessing. As He by the power of His Word creates a blessing in the water of Baptism, so He by His Word in the Sacrament of the Altar gives us His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
The Power of the Sacrament of the Altar
How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?
It is not the eating and drinking that does this, but hte words here written: “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins.” These words, along with the eating and drinking are the main thing in the Sacrament; and whoever believes these words has exactly what they say, namely, the forgiveness of sins.
- How can the Sacrament of the Altar impart such great blessing?
The Sacrament of the Altar can impart such great blessing because Jesus by His Word places the forgiveness of sins also into this Sacrament. (See Questions 188 and 189.)
- How do we receive forgiveness in the Sacrament?
We receive forgiveness in the Sacarment by partaking of the body and blood of Christ with faith in these words, “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins.” (See Question 311.)
The Proper Reception of the Sacrament of the Altar
Who then receives this Sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a fine outward training; but his truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words, “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins.” But he who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is unworthy and unprepared; for the words “for you” require truly believing hearts.
- Why should we be concerned about communing in a worthy manner?
We should be concerned about communing in a worthy manner, because the Lord expressly instructs us to examine ourselves before partaking of the Sacrament in order that we may receive it with blessing.
- How should we examine ourselves in order to come to the Lord’s Table in a worthy manner?
Before coming to the Lord’s Table we should examine ourselves to see- whether we truly repent of our sins,
- whether we believe in Jesus Christ as our Saviour,
- whether we believe that He gives us His true body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins and
- whether we have the sincere desire, with the aid of God the Holy Spirit, henceforth to amend our sinful lives. (See “Christian Questions and Answers” and Questions 219 and 295.)
- Is any bodily preparation necessary for true worthiness?
No bodily preparation is commanded for true worthiness; but a proper respect for the Lord’s Supper should lead us to come to the Lord’s Table with modesty and reverence.
- Who then is unworthya nd unprepared to partake of the Lord’s Supper?
He is unworthy and unprepared to partake of the Lor’d sSupper who does not believe that in the Sacrament Jesus gives us His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. - What are the consequences of receiving the Sacrament unworthily?
All communicants who receive the Sacrament unworthily call down God’s wrath and judgment upon themselves.
- Whom should we not admit to the Lord’s Supper?
We should not admit to the Lord’s Supper- those who do not bleieve in the real presence of Christ’s body and blood,
- Those who are known to be ungodly and impenitent,
- those who have given offense and have not removed it,
- those who are not able to examine themselves or
- those who are of a different confession, since the Lord’s Supper is a testimony of the unity of faith.
- Should the feeling of unworthiness keep us away from the Sacrament?
The very fact that we feel unworthy and long for God’s forgiveness should move us to come to the Lord’s Table.
- Why should we gladly and frequently come to the Lord’s Supper?
We should gladly and frequently come to the Lord’s Supper, because- Jesus earnestly invites us to do so,
- we need the great blessing that He there gives us and
- we thereby openly confess our faith in Jesus’ atoning death.
Conclusion
A regular and faithful use of the Word and Sacarments will confirm us in our faith in Jesus and help us to grow in holiness, so that we may be happy on earth and blessed in heaven.
Hymn
O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee
My heartfelt thanks forever be,
Who hast so lovingly bestowed
On me Thy body and Thy blood.
Break forth, my soul, for joy and say:
What wealth is come to me this day!
My Savior dwells within me now;
How blest am I! How good art Thou! (ELH 325)
Bible Readings
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