blessings.

BUT THE WORDS WHICH STAND HERE, "GIVEN AND SHED FOR YOU, FOR THE
REMISSION OF SINS." It is the Word of God which gives the sacrament its
power. [John 6:63] For Christ has commanded us to use the bread and wine
in this way, and has connected the promise of forgiveness with their
use. Without the Word, there would be nothing but bread and wine. But
Christ fulfils the promise which He has bound up with the BODILY EATING
AND DRINKING, and gives us, with the bread and the wine, His body and
blood which were given and shed for us for the remission of sins.

AND HE WHO BELIEVES THESE WORDS HAS THAT WHICH THEY DECLARE, [Matt.
8:13] NAMELY, THE REMISSION OF SINS. Forgiveness of sins, life, and
salvation are offered to all who partake of this sacrament, but they are
accepted and possessed only by those who believe. The impenitent and
unbelieving, if they come to the Lord's Table, receive the body and
blood of Christ also, but they receive it to their condemnation, because
they do not receive it with a penitent and believing heart. [I Cor
11:29+]

* * * * *

IV. _Who is it that receives this sacrament worthily?_

Fasting and bodily preparation are, indeed, a good external 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, is unworthy and unfit; for the words
"for you" require truly believing hearts.