The Sacrament of the Altar
Q63. Who receives this sacrament the right way?
Fasting and other preparation are fine things to do on the outside. But the person who is truly worthy and well prepared is the one who believes these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." Anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, because the words "for you" require hearts that believe.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Corinthians 11:27–29
Hebrews 11:6
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the catechism say makes someone "truly worthy" to receive the Lord's Supper?
- 2
Why is believing the words "for you" the most important preparation?
- 3
What makes someone unworthy to receive the sacrament?
Illustration
If someone invites you to dinner and says, "This meal is for you," the right response is to sit down and eat with gratitude. The wrong response is to say, "I do not believe you made this for me." Worthy reception of the Lord's Supper is simply trusting that when Christ says "for you," he means it.
Application
If you are preparing to receive the Lord's Supper someday, practice this: read the Words of Institution and ask yourself, "Do I believe these words are for me?" That trust in Christ's promise is what makes you ready. Talk with your pastor or parents about what preparation for first communion looks like.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)