CD - Power of the Lord’s Supper? - Matthew 26:26-28

Here again we could almost rewrite the thoughts from the Power of Baptism. Of course, I will not. The power of the Lord’s Supper lies in the Word of God and in faith in God’s Word.

Anyone can come in and commune in any church. Yes, even though the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LC-MS) says we have close communion, a practice in which we only commune with other LC-MS Lutherans (close, in that they are close to us in their belief not closed as in not open to others, although this case can also be argued), anyone can come in and lie. I state this point only so that I can make my next statement, not that anyone would lie, just to commune. Even some of the LC-MS people might be communing hypocrites. Anyway, both worthy and unworthy communicants eat and drink at the Lord’s Table. For the worthy communicant, the words of Jesus, “Given and shed for you for the remission of your sins” impart and seal the forgiveness of sins and, with the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. For the unworthy communicant, however, Paul is clear in 1 Corinthians 11:27, “. . . he is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” He is liable to be punished.

We eat His body and drink His blood, in, with, and under the bread and wine, consecrated by the words of Christ Himself, given and shed for you for the remission of sins. This eating and drinking have power only when connected with Jesus’ words, and, when these words are believed. That is, when we have complete faith in what Jesus said, that we will have forgiveness of sins. As with baptism, with this forgiveness of sins comes new life in Christ and salvation, eternal life (and it is certain) in heaven with Jesus. Again, I stress here, it is His Supper and He is the one giving the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. Because they are from Him, they are certain and we can believe.

For this reason, because of the power of the Lord’s supper which brings about forgiveness and certainty of heaven, we eat and drink, or partake, of the sacrament as often as we can. We partake for our strengthening of faith as well. We remember that all of these blessings come from God, lest we should boast of our own works of faith.

Dear Lord, forgive me when I fail to live according to Your Word. Thank You for the forgiveness and strength I receive through Your body and blood in communion. May Your body and blood strengthen me unto eternal life. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.