An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism by Joseph Stump
page 220 of 222 (99%)
page 220 of 222 (99%)
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HOW THE LORD'S SUPPER IS TO BE RECEIVED.
Those who come to the Lord's Table must prepare themselves to come _worthily_, if they would receive the benefits offered in this sacrament. [I Cor. 11:28+, II Cor. 13:5] FASTING AND BODILY PREPARATION ARE INDEED A GOOD EXTERNAL DISCIPLINE. Fasting before the Lord's Supper is not required. It may be practiced by those who desire to do so, if they do it in order to fit themselves for a more earnest participation in the Holy Supper, and not with the idea that fasting constitutes a merit, The true preparation for the Lord's Supper is not bodily, but spiritual. [Joel 2:13+] HE IS TRULY WORTHY AND WELL-PREPARED, WHO BELIEVES THESE WORDS, "GIVEN, AND FOR YOU, FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS." We are to come worthily, not in the sense of deserving, but of earnestly _desiring_ the benefits offered in the sacrament. We come worthily when we come with penitent and believing heart, [Ps. 51:17+, Matt. 11:28+] lamenting our sins, longing for forgiveness and for strength to do better, and believing the words spoken to us, "given and shed for _thee_ for the remission of sins." THE CONFESSIONAL SERVICE. The administration of the Lord's Supper is always preceded by the service of confession and absolution, so that those who desire to come to the Lord's Table may prepare themselves to come worthily. At this service we make a public confession of our sins, of our faith in Christ our Saviour, and of our earnest determination by God's grace to lead a holy life. Since Christ has conferred upon the Church the Power of the Keys, saying, "Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted, unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained," [John 20:23] the minister uses this power and pronounces the |
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