Dear Beloved in Christ,

We will observe the Lord’s Supper this coming Sunday, and I wanted to give a few words of encouragement as we prepare to receive the sacrament. I am looking forward to participating in my first Lord’s Supper with you all!

I love how the Larger Catechism expresses what we truly receive when we participate in a worthy manner in the Lord’s Supper. I have italicized, bolded, and underlined the portion specific to what we will receive:

Q. 168. What is the Lord’s Supper?

A. The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, his death is shewed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; have their union and communion with him confirmed; testify and renew their thankfulness, and engagement to God, and their mutual love and fellowship each with the other, as members of the same mystical body.

This means that our faith is nourished, strengthened, and assured in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit which results in outward thankfulness and deepening of relationships with both God and our neighbors of all kinds. This also means that the Lord’s Supper is NOT a mere memorial observance in which we are merely remembering. Greater still, the Lord’s Supper is a spiritual, supernatural event in which the Holy Spirit applies the body and blood of Christ to the nourishment of the worthy communicant.

How in the world could any of us be considered worthy? We are worthy through Christ alone by faith alone through grace alone. We are welcome at the table through our confession of our sinfulness which has rendered us utterly helpless and in need of Christ alone as Savior as provided in God’s grace alone. We express this worthiness by continuing to cling to the Crucified and depending on his provision in the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life as reflected by being in good standing as a member of the visible church. We also actively seek to extend forgiveness and pursue reconciliation with any and all with whom there is an issue of any kind. Again, the Larger Catechism is beneficial in instructing us how to prepare ourselves and consider our fitness for the table.

Q. 171. How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?

A. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper are, before they come to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer.

It is important that we take this opportunity to yet again affirm who we are in Christ alone by faith alone through grace alone. Are you a sinner who was saved by God’s grace alone through the perfect person and work of Christ as Savior alone through faith alone as effectually called by the Holy Spirit? In addition, we must be willing to grant and pursue this same forgiveness with others. This is something that we are commanded to seek to reconcile before we partake in the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 5:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. Is there anyone who you know has a problem with you or with whom you have a problem or are withholding forgiveness? Some issues require significant time in order to reach full reconciliation, however, you should seek to begin the process before participating in the Lord’s Supper.

It is also important that we confess our ongoing dependence on our union with Christ given our continued ability to sin and need to grow in grace as we are further transformed into the image of Christ. Do you recognize your ongoing need for Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to grow and mature into the image of Christ?

As we work through these questions, my hope is that we will yet again affirm the goodness of our God and the glory of Christ as redeemed sons and daughters so that we could receive this means of grace to our nourishment, assurance, and encouragement.

May this quote by Robert Murray M’Cheyne serve to stir a hunger within you for the Lord’s Supper this Sunday:

“Christians, learn to feed more on Christ: ‘Eat, O friends! Drink, yea drink abundantly, O beloved!’ When you are asked to a feast, there is no greater affront you can put upon the entertainer than by being content with a crumb below the table. Yet this is the way Christians of our day affront the Lord of glory. Oh, how few seem to feed much on Christ! How few seem to put on His white flowing raiment! How few seem to drink deep in His Spirit! Most are content with a glimpse now and then of a pardon- a crumb from the table, and a drop of His Spirit. Awake, dear friends! ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy may be full.’”

In Christ, Cameron