This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Matthew 26:28

The Last Supper, or Holy Communion as it is called by numerous Christians, is seen by many as a sacrament, or means of grace. They think that, by their participation in eating and drinking, certain aspects of divine grace are transmitted to them. They connect the forgiveness of sins with this celebration.

What does Holy Scripture say on this subject? At the institution of the Supper Christ did not say that partaking of the meal brought about the forgiveness of sins. He indicated the purpose of eating and drinking with the words: "This do in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).

The Lord did , in fact, mention the forgiveness of sins, but in an entirely different connection: He said, "THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, WHICH IS SHED FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS." Christ's blood was to be shed for the forgiveness of sins to make atonement before God. Bread and wine, on the other hand, symbolising the body and blood of the Lord, were to be eaten and drunk in memory of the Redeemer and His finished work. These two aspects, propitiation for sin and partaking of the Supper, must be carefully distinguished. The Supper is for those who already have the knowledge of the forgiveness of their sins and wish to thank and worship the Lord for His work of redemption. Whoever believes that his participation in the celebration of Holy Communion automatically causes his sins to be forgiven would be well advised to consult Holy Scripture. A verse on this subject is 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Good Seed Calendar, November 20/04