Two Sermons on the Lord's Supper from Martin Luther

Dear Friends,

You’ll like these! Two sermons from Martin Luther on the Lord’s Supper:

First Sermon

Second Sermon

A few choice excerpts:

Tell me, is it not an exceedingly cheering word, when the Lord tells His disciples so graciously and kindly: “Take and eat, this is my body; take and drink ye all of it; this cup is the New Testament in my blood, this do in remembrance of me,” and do it not only once, but repeatedly until the end of time? Our blessed Lord desired, by means of this Sacrament and Testament, to keep alive in us our remembrance of Him and our faith. He therefore instituted His Supper as a constant memorial of His death, through which we are delivered from our sins and eternal misery.

In this we can see naught but condescension and love; there is no anger here nor vengeance; yea, parents could not deal more kindly with their children. Christ’s chief desire, as He Himself declares, is that we shall not forget Him.

This declaration is the Christian’s most effective consolation; for he who really believes that Christ gave His body for him, and that He shed His blood for the remission of his sins, cannot despair, no matter what sin, the world and the devil may say.

Another benign effect of this Sacrament is the union, in faith and doctrine, which it produces among Christians, and which is so very necessary. To bring about true union among Christians it is not sufficient that they come together to hear the same preaching and the same word, but they must also meet around the same altar to receive the same food and drink.

The Lord’s Supper admonishes us not to be ungrateful any longer, but to realize, together with other Christians, with whom we confess our faith and share this most Holy Sacrament, what great blessings Christ bestows upon us through it, and how we should therefore serve and praise Him as our Lord, who not only died for us, but also gives us, as nourishment for our souls, His body and blood.

It is often the case, and strangely so, that those who need not fear, unto whom God is truly merciful and whom He would own as His children, are sorely troubled with fear, whilst those who ought to tremble with terror are entirely unconcerned and think not of their sins, but continue straight on upon their wicked course, as would a rifle ball when once discharged.

Again, if our hearts are contrite, if we confess our sins before God and are heartily sorry on account of them, it we believe that God in mercy, for Christ’s sake, will pardon us, then we are well prepared and can confidingly say unto the Saviour: O Lord, we are poor sinners, and therefore come to Thy Table to receive consolation. If we approach the Sacrament in such a spirit, we shall be truly ready and receive the richest blessings.

In behalf of such contrite and sorrowing souls the Lord’s Table was prepared, so that they might find there consolation and joy.

I can speak from my own experience in regard to this, and I know the effects of the avoidance of the Lord’s Supper. I was under the influence of this devilish delusion, and became more and more a stranger at the Lord’s Table. Avoid this error, my hearers, and see to it that you come often and well prepared; if sin and crime rest heavily upon your souls, forget not then your Lord and Saviour; think of His death and sacrifice for sinners; repent and trust in Him. This, and no more, He requires of us as worthy guests at His Table.

Our great infirmity and daily transgressions, for which we need support and forgiveness, as well as the unity of faith and confession thereby established in the Church, make it an imperative necessity that we should frequently celebrate and receive the Lord’s Supper, thus fulfilling His command: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore, whosoever comes to the Table of the Lord as a poor sinner, is yet worthy and well prepared; nor will he eat and drink damnation to himself; but he will receive the body and the blood of Christ worthily, unto his soul’s salvation.

Amen!

Christ is risen!
PrBW

Wednesday What-Not is a *free* newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

For more theology, upcoming events, and links to video, audio, etc. visit www.wolfmueller.co.