Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 6:53–56
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John 6:53–56
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper
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.
This six-session Bible study focuses on the Godly vocations of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, husband and wife, and also the parents of several children. The Luther Household includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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