It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink.
What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
These words, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation.
How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?
Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." These words along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: "forgiveness of sins."
Who receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preperation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."
But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. We invite to the communion table all baptized Christians who receive this sacrament in their own congregations, sincerely seek God's forgiveness, and believe that Holy Communion is a means of grace in which they receive forgiveness, life, and salvation through the body and blood of the risen Christ.
