Dear Beloved in Christ,

“…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

It is often good for us as believers, no matter how long we have been walking with our Savior, to return to the basics of our faith, the bedrock of truth upon which all we have ever learned is built.  For this reason, I have decided to use the brief thoughts from an excellent book entitled, Remember Him, by J.W. Alexander as the focus of our preparation for the Lord’s Table throughout 2018.  This book was originally written for young communicants to provide them with sound advice on this sacrament.  The following is taken from the small section entitled, The Doctrine of the Sacrament:

“The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper exhibits, in plain action, a great doctrine, which is also conveyed in words.  Unless you understand this, you must fail to derive spiritual nourishment by feeding on the Lord’s body and blood.  This doctrine is the Atonement.  It should be graven on the tablets of the mind and heart.  Ponder deeply, therefore, the following truths: when the fullness of time had come, the eternal Son of God, co-equal with the Father, took upon Himself our human nature, with all its infirmities, yet without sin.  The Word was made flesh, and the two natures were inseparably joined together in one Person, Who is Christ the Mediator.  The Lord Jesus was made under the law, perfectly fulfilled it, obeying its precept and exhausting its penalty.  In His humiliation He suffered most grievous anguish of soul and most painful agonies of body; he was crucified, he died, and was laid in the tomb.  By His perfect sacrifice of Himself, He fully satisfied divine justice and purchased reconciliation and eternal glory for all those whom the Father had given Him.  The entire benefits of this redemption are offered to you in the Gospel, and more summarily and vividly in this sacrament, and your title to them becomes sure when you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (pp.2-3)

Meditate upon this helpful summary so that you may have a proper understanding of all this sacrament means as we come to partake together of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Examine yourself, as the Scriptures require, and prepare yourself to come and feast at the Table of our Risen King and Savior, Jesus Christ!  And then come, believing on Him, that you might claim your title to all the benefits of His saving work.

Rejoicing in the One Who bore the wrath we deserved,

Pastor Trefsgar

February 1, 2018