Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 1
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 6:53–56
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
It cannot be doubted that the use of both parts in the Lord’s Supper is godly and in accord with the institution of Christ and the words of Paul. For Christ instituted both parts, not doing so for part of the Church but for the entire Church. The whole Church uses the Sacrament — not only the priests — and this, by the authority of Christ, not by human authority, as we suppose the adversaries acknowledge.
Pulling It Together
Jesus cannot be more clear. One must partake of both his body and blood in order to have new life in Christ. To eat and drink of the Sacrament is a holy communion with Christ himself. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive the grace to continue in the faith — to abide in him. Further, he promises to abide in us. We rob ourselves of “grace upon grace,” (John 1:16) of continuing in him, when we do not partake in his fullness. It is the one who both eats and drinks who remains in Christ, and in whom Christ abides.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your enduring grace. Amen
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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