Sacramental blessing

This week's blog entry, from one of my students in pre-seminary training, looks at the treasure we have in the Lord's Supper.

The Importance of Holy Communion

by Jared Natsis

            “Take, eat. This is the body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, given into death for you. Take, drink. This is the true blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shed for the remission of all of your sins.”

            Such words are familiar to us. We hear them spoken from the communion railing multiple times as congregants receive bread and wine.  The words are a paraphrase of Jesus’ own words that instituted the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and they quite eloquently tell the story. As we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are literally sharing in the body and blood of our Savior—the body and blood that were broken and shed specifically for us. But what implications does that carry? What does it mean to be a participant in this sacrament?

            First of all, it means we recognize our dire need for a Savior.  Christ’s apostle Paul urged us to examine ourselves before participating in this sacrament (1 Corinthians 11:28-29).  If we look inward, we know that on our own we can only produce one product, and that is sin. Given its way, the sinful nature within us would do nothing but damn us to hell, and we are powerless against ourselves. After self-examination, we have no choice but to fall on our knees before the throne of God.

            But thankfully, the Lord’s Supper is a vehicle of God’s free and faithful grace. As we partake of the sacrament, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). In communion with Christ, we personally taste and see the sacrifice of Christ, the innocent suffering and death that he underwent on our behalf. Even as we are steeped in sin and deserve nothing but punishment, Jesus loved us so much that he took our sin entirely upon himself and received the judgment that we deserve. By recognizing the true body and blood of Christ in the sacrament, we miraculously receive forgiveness of sins through the promise of Christ. As Christ’s blood was “given and shed for you,” so you will receive the wondrous comfort of his forgiveness!

            As you partake of the sacrament, you are surrounded by a family of believers and fellow participants. By communing together, you are proclaiming that you believe and confess the same faith as your fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Worshiping in this fellowship is one of the greatest blessings we can possibly have as Christians! By eating of one loaf and drinking of one cup, we are brought closer together in God’s family. To be united in the faith and love of Christ is incredibly precious. This great expression of unity is the reason for what is called “close communion” practice--those who’ve drawn close together in fellowship in the same church as the ones communing together.  Such a practice does not intend to judge anyone’s heart or life as a Christian, but to more carefully ensure that those communing together are truly united in heart and mind. As Paul says,“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17).

            Finally, as we eat and drink the body and blood of Christ, our faith is strengthened by the Holy Spirit through the Word made flesh who gives himself to us. And just as the Holy Spirit has given us faith, he sanctifies us to live lives dedicated to God. The fruits of faith come forth out of love and thanks for Jesus’ merciful sacrifice, and we go forth as beacons of that very love. As Christ now lives in us, we strive to live for Christ!

            “May this body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in the true faith until the day of life everlasting. Depart in peace—your sins are forgiven!”