October 29

For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:17.

The apostle here speaks of the Lord's Supper. He reminds us that in the Holy Supper one and the same bread and with it one and the same body of Christ are distributed. Therefore it is clear:

we Christians have communion together at the Lord's Table; although we are many, we are but one body and members of one body, because we eat of the same bread and drink of the same cup at the same altar. We all are one, because we partake of one bread and with it of the same body of Christ. The apostle goes on to say in verse 18: "Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifice partakers of the altar?" Jews and Gentiles had different religions, and they would not touch each other's sacrifice. If one ate of a Jewish sacrifice, he thereby confessed himself a Jew. If one ate of a heathen sacrifice, he thereby confessed himself an adherent of the heathen religion. At what altar a man worships, that religion he professes. This is a self-evident truth, and Paul therefore says: "For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread."

The Lord's Supper is a testimony of the communion of faith. With those with whom I commune I confess to be one in religion and faith. By partaking of this Sacrament in the Lutheran Church, we confess our Lutheran faith. Those who commune together are to be one in faith, and only such are to commune together. When, therefore, members of a false Church wish to commune with us, we must say: We are of a different faith, and we cannot commune together at the same altar as though we were one in faith. Those communing together are to be one, which requires that they be one in doctrine and faith. To Luther mixed, or open, Communion was an abomination. Let us never forget that it is a confession of faith when we approach the Lord's Table. We cannot commune with those who deny the real presence of Christ's body and blood.

Prayer.

O Thou dear Savior of the world, keep in remembrance Thy faithfulness and satisfy my heart with Thy grace. How gladly I would appear before Thee in perfect faith and with due reverence and fervent devotion! But how am I to do this except by and through Thee, Thou Author and Finisher of my faith? Grant me, therefore, to do what is well-pleasing to Thee. Let me always confess Thee before men, and let me remain steadfast in the confession of Thy pure Word and Sacrament unto the end. Amen.

And Thou, O Holy Spirit, My Comforter and Guide, Grant that in Jesus' merit I always may confide,

Him to the end confessing Whom I have known by faith. Give me Thy constant blessing And grant a Christian death.