October 14

This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28.

In the first place, by a worthy communion we receive forgiveness of sins and the assurance thereof. God, rich in love, has provided not only one, but several means of rendering poor sinners certain of the forgiveness of their sins. These means are the preaching of the Gospel, Holy Baptism, Absolution, and Holy Communion. We ought to thank Him for the rich provision He has made for the strengthening of our faith. Whoever knows from personal experience how hard it is for one who sorely feels the burden of sin to believe that his sins are forgiven, will realize the

greatness of God's grace and loving care in giving us not merely one means of becoming assured of the forgiveness of sin.

Every one who partakes of the holy Sacrament receives the very body and blood which Christ gave as a ransom to purchase forgiveness for us. In this Sacrament He gives us this body and blood of His as a pledge and assurance of the forgiveness of sins, saying, as it were, to every penitent sinner: As surely as with your mouth you eat My body and drink My blood, so surely your sins are forgiven; for I gave this My body and this My blood for your sins. As surely, therefore, as you believe that you partake of your Lord's body, given into death for the remission of your sins, and of your Lord's blood, shew for the remission of your sins, just so surely you must believe that you have forgiveness of sins.

And where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. As sin is spiritual death, so forgiveness of sins is the birth of spiritual life, the life in and with God, life in holiness and righteousness. This Sacrament strengthens the spiritual life. As the body needs nourishment, so does the soul. The Lord's Supper is a means of grace which imparts forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Is this not a great benefit of this blessed institution of our dear Lord?

Prayer.

O Lord Jesus Christ, may the forgiveness purchased by Thy innocent death be imparted and sealed unto us anew as often as we partake of Thy blessed Supper. May we evermore be strengthened by it in faith toward Thee, in patience and hope, in fervent love toward one another, unto all holy obedience in newness of life. And may Thy Sacrament ever be to us an earnest and pledge of our final redemption, that we may praise Thee here in time and hereafter in eternity, — Thou, whose mercy endureth forever. Amen.

Sun, who all my life doth brighten,

Light, who dost my soul enlighten,

Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth,

Fount, whence all my being floweth, —

At Thy feet I cry, my Maker,

Let me be a fit partaker

Of this blessed food from heaven,

For our good, Thy glory, given.