benefits
What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?
These words' "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," shows us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
who receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins”
But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.
When is a person unworthy and unprepared?
A person is unworthy and unprepared when he or she does not believe or doubts Christ's words, since the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.
What is the benefit offered in the sacrament?
Christ's forgiveness that he won on the cross, life and salvation
victory over sin.
public confession of faith.
Why is it important to receive this Sacrament worthily?
It is very important because St. Paul clearly teaches: Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then , and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgement on himself. 1 Cor. 11:27-29.
How are we to examine ourselves before receiving the Sacrament?
We are to examine ourselves to see whether :
A. We are sorry for our sins;
B. we believe in our Savior Jesus Christ and in His words in the Sacrament;
We plan, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to change our sinful lives.
Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along with the bodily eating and drinking are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.”
Is it necessary to fast before receiving the Sacrament?
Fasting can be good training for the will, but God does not command particular times, places and forms for this.
May those who are weak in faith come to the Lord’s Table?
Yes, for Christ instituted the Sacrament for the very purpose of strengthening and increasing our faith.
Does everyone who eats and drinks the Sacrament also receive forgiveness, life and salvation?
Forgiveness life and salvation are truly offered to all who eat the Lord’s body and blood in the Sacrament, but only through faith can we receive the blessings offered there.
When do we receive the Sacrament worthily?
We receive the Sacrament worthily when we have faith in Christ and His words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”
Who must not be given the sacrament?
A. those who are openly ungodly and unrepentant, including those who take part in non-Christian religious worship.
B. Those who are unforgiving, refusing to be reconciled. They show thereby that they do not really believe that God forgives them either.
C. Those of a different confession of faith, since the Lord’s Supper is a testimony of the unity of faith.
D. Those who are unable to examine themselves, such as infants, people who have not received proper instruction or the unconscious.