Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:27-28 (NIV)
Jesus’ blood was poured out “for the forgiveness of sins.” We are accepted by God through the complete righteousness of Christ being imputed to us and counted as ours. That leaves us in a strange position. As Luther said, “We are ‘simul iustus et peccator.’” This means we are, at the same time, righteous and sinners.
We come to the table knowing we are sinners, even though we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We come having sinned in word and thought and deed. We have grieved the Holy Spirit. We are ashamed of our sin. When we come to the table, Satan may accuse us, and our own conscience may condemn us. But when we receive the cup, Christ says, “This is my blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.”
The Lord’s Table is a place where your faith is nourished. It is a place where you can know God loves you, you can find peace for your conscience, and joy in the Holy Spirit. All these things are found in Christ through the cross, and they are laid before you at the table.
Are you making good use of the Lord’s Table?