CD - Benefits of the Lord’s Supper? - 1 Corinthians 10:16

It is really hard to write about the benefits of the Lord’s Supper without repeating what was said about the benefits of baptism. It goes something like this: Baptism offers forgiveness of sins. The Lord’s Supper offers forgiveness of sins. Baptism offers strengthening of (and/or bringing to) faith. The Lord’s Supper offers strengthening of faith. The gifts of baptism are just that, gifts and are free. The gifts of the Lord’s Supper are free. Now, let us try a different angle.

The Lord’s Supper is also called communion. This word means “in (with) unison,” that is, it implies a oneness of faith. When we commune with someone, we say we are in unison, one in faith with that person. We say we believe what that person believes. Our Bible reading for today tells us of the union of Christ’s blood with the wine (cup) and Christ’s body with the bread. Our partaking of the bread and wine, the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, puts us in union with God, our heavenly Father. Our partaking of communion with fellow Christians puts us in union with them. What a wonderful sacrament this is! It brings all believers together in union in one faith in Jesus and the Father.

We are given the benefits of strengthening of our faith, which we have already mentioned, and forgiveness of sins. We are given a sign of our oneness of faith. We are also given strength to love God and our neighbor. As in Baptism, we are given the promise of the certainty of heaven (life and salvation). Note once again that it is we who are the ones being given to. It is the Lord’s Supper, He has invited us to be a part of it and supplies all parts.

We must remember that these benefits, just as the benefits of baptism, are given to us; they are free. We neither work for, nor merit any of the blessings we are given. We also remember that we must not commune frivolously, superstitiously, or blasphemously. For just as we are given blessings and benefits, so also we may be given condemnation for our misuse of the Lord’s Supper. (See 1 Corinthians 11:27.) Go, then, in faith to be given the communion and in faith believe the promise of blessings. Celebrate your certainty of heaven. Celebrate as often as you “eat this bread and drink this wine until the Lord’s return.” These blessings are ours for Jesus’ sake.

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Supper. Forgive me when I doubt Your presence in this meal. Forgive me when I think I bring anything, except my need for forgiveness. Thank You for Your forgiveness and strengthening. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.