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1 Corinthians 11:23–26

From the Confessions: The Chief Articles of Faith in the Augsburg Confession

Of the Use of the Sacraments.

Of the Use of the Sacraments they teach that the Sacraments were ordained, not only to be marks of profession among men, but rather to be signs and testimonies of the will of God toward us, instituted to awaken and confirm faith in those who use them. Wherefore we must so use the Sacraments that faith be added to believe the promises which are offered and set forth through the Sacraments.

They therefore condemn those who teach that the Sacraments justify by the outward act, and who do not teach that, in the use of the Sacraments, faith which believes that sins are forgiven, is required.

Pulling It Together

In the first two centuries of the Church, it was rumored that Christians were cannibals since when they met on their Lord's Day, they ate his flesh and drank his blood. This notion was corrected by explanations of the Gospel given by Justin Martyr and other defenders of the faith. These days, many are well aware of what Christians do when they gather, though they likely still do not understand Holy Communion.

When we “eat this bread and drink the cup,” we declare our Lord's death among ourselves. It is a way that we recall what he did for us in dying for our sins. We remember that he established this holy meal as way to remember not only what he did, but also to look forward to the day when we will eat and drink with him again at the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (Rev 19:9). Yet, Holy Communion is more than profession of our faith.

We confess whenever we eat and drink that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine. Therefore, the gift of Christ's Body and Blood may only be received in faith. It is not mere religious observance. Instead, it is God working through his Supper to enliven and establish our faith through continued grace. For from his fullness we continue to receive grace upon grace (John 1:16).

Prayer: Holy God, increase your grace in me for the sake of your Son. Amen. 

Sola First Communion Certificates are printed in color on heavyweight parchment paper, with a matching envelope to go with each certificate. The traditional 'half-sheet' size is perfect for inclusion in a picture album or scrapbook.