The Communion of the Body of Christ
The weight of sin is heavy, but the release is sure. Jesus forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. The way of forgiveness is accepting the invitation to the Lord’s Table. To come to the table is an act of identification and contrition. Confessing one’s sinful state and need of the grace displayed in this meal is our humble response to the invitation for communion with Jesus. The Gospel call extends to every highway and hedge. Many are called, but few are chosen.
Jesus says to the one who comes to His supper, “This is my body given for you.” He also says, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” These are the proclamations of His death. It is His death that gives life to those who eat and drink of Him. “I am the bread of life,” and herein is spiritual food for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Our high priest, Jesus, entered once into a more perfect tabernacle, with His own blood, for the execution of eternal redemption. Sinless, He offered Himself without blemish to God. The life that was in His blood was poured out at Calvary and sprinkled on His people, by His Spirit, for the forgiveness of their sins. By this sacrifice we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ — once, and for all His people. There is no longer any offering for sin, for Jesus was raised from the dead in a bodily resurrection. His bodily presence is in heaven at the right hand of the Father.
The mediator of this new covenant between the Father and Son is Jesus Christ. In this agreement He faithfully represents God as the Eternal Son of God, and He represents His people as the Son of Man. Here is reconciliation between God and man. He is interceding for own, but who are they? “All that the Father gives to me shall come to me, and all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life…for they are Thine.” Believers come to His table because they know the truth that has set them free from bondage to sin and death. They “do this” in obedience as much as in remembrance.
Unity is a prerequisite for coming, and self-examination leads to reconciliation that they may all be one. Do not bring the gift of faith to the altar until you have been reconciled to your brother or sister in Christ. The Lord has not required your sacrifices; but rather, your obedience in this matter. Some will not obey but come in pretense. These must be warned and reminded of Judas, the betrayer, and the explicit consequences of unworthy participation in the body and blood of Christ.
But as many as received Him, to these He gave the right to become the children of God. The child comes to His Father’s table with thanksgiving for the provision made especially for heirs of the King. Surely this is comfort food that anticipates the feast to come, in His kingdom to come. Take and eat — and drink ye all of it, for in doing this you proclaim His death (and your life in Him) until He comes again.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
July 22, 2021
