WHAT ACTUALLY IS THE LORD’S SUPPER?
The Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) should be received, after proper instruction and preparation, in the sure and certain confidence that Jesus Christ is truly present in, with and under the bread and wine to forgive the sin of all who receive him in repentance (according to 1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:17-33; Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-30).
It is helpful to review the question on pages 326-27 and 329-330 in the front part of “Lutheran Service Book” for a proper understanding of this sacred meal.
WHO MAY PROPERLY COME TO THE LORD’S SUPPER?
You are invited to receive Christ’s true body and blood if you:
- have been Baptized into the name of the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit);
- repent of your sin against God and recognize your need to forgive others as God has forgiven you;
- put your trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation;
- are old enough to examine your own faith and life (according to 1 Corinthians 11:27-32);
- believe in the words of Jesus himself when he declares that his Body and Blood are truly present in, with and under the bread and wine, offering life, salvation and the forgiveness of sins;
- sincerely intend to live a God-pleasing life in accordance with God’s will as revealed in the Bible; and
- have received instruction about the Lord’s Supper at a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregation.