The Sacrament of the Altar
Q62. How can eating and drinking do such great things?
It is not just the bodily eating and drinking that does these things. It is the words "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." These words, together with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: "forgiveness of sins."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 10:17
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Luke 22:19–20
Hebrews 9:22
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the catechism say is "the main thing" in the sacrament?
- 2
Why are the words "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins" so important?
- 3
What role does faith play in receiving the Lord's Supper?
Illustration
A birthday gift sitting on the table is yours even before you open it. The gift is real whether you believe it or not. But you only enjoy it when you trust the giver and open it. The Lord's Supper gives forgiveness through Christ's words. Faith is the hand that opens the gift and receives what is already there.
Application
Memorize the words "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." Say them to yourself when you see the bread and wine at church. Because Christ attaches his promise to this meal, those words are meant for you personally.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)