The Lord’s Supper

PART V

THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR

I

What Is the Sacrament of the Altar?

Answer: It is the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, given unto us Christians to eat and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself.

Where is it so written?

Answer: The holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, together with St. Paul, write thus:

“Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it and gave it to His disciples, saying Take, eat; this is My Body, which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me.

“After the same manner, also, He took the cup, when He had supped, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying Drink ye all of it; this cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

II

What Is the Benefit of Such

Eating and Drinking?

Answer: It is pointed out in these words: “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins.”  Through these words the remission of sins, life and salivation are given unto us in the Sacrament; for where there is remission of sins, there is also life and salvation.

III

How Can the Bodily Eating and Drinking Produce Such Great Benefits?

Answer: The eating and drinking, indeed, do not produce them, but the words: “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins.”  For besides the bodily eating and drinking, these words are the chief thing in the Sacrament; and he who believes them has what they say and declare, namely, the remission of sins.

IV

Who, Then, Receives the Sacrament Worthily?

Answer: Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good outward discipline, but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these words: “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins.”  But he who does not believe these words or who doubts them is unworthy and unprepared; for the words: “For you,” require truly believing hearts.