Christ for Us

You can read the entire sermon at Christforus.org. 

Sermon preached by Rev. James Preus on Luke 16:1-13 for Trinity 9 in 2024. 
What is a steward? How are you a steward? What does Jesus want you to do with your stewardship? You can read the entire sermon on Christforus.org. 

Episode 15 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast is on Justification. You can read along at Christforus.org. 
 
#Justification #Lutheran #Biblestudy #Theology
Article IV of The Augsburg Confession: Our churches also teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works but are freely justified for Christ’s sake through faith when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven on account of Christ, who by his death made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness in his sight.” (Rom. 3 and 4).
Bible Passage: Romans 3:23-25a: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”
What does it mean to justify?To justify means to declared or make righteous. To be righteous means to be without fault and pleasing in God’s eyes.
Justification, righteousness, righteous, just, all translations of the same Greek word δικαιοσύνη or δίκαιος, and the verb to justify or declare righteous is the same verb δικαιόω or the same Hebrew word צְדָקָה or צַדִּיק or the verb צָדַק. To justify and to declare righteous is the same thing. To be just and to be righteous is the same thing. Justification and righteousness are the same thing.
Righteousness can be determined either by one’s own merits under the law or it can be imputed as a gift through faith. Scripture does speak of righteousness under the law, but it also speaks of God’s wrath against those who do not follow the law perfectly. Righteousness that depends on faith does not depend on works.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:20-22
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
Is justification and forgiveness the same thing?“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.'” (Romans 4:4-8)Yes.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man.” Does the Roman Church and the Lutheran Church agree on justification?(Sanctification according to the CCC is, “An act whereby the sinner makes amends for sin, especially in reparation to God for offenses against him.” In other words, sanctification is the good works a sinner does to make up for his sins. “Renewal of the interior man” means that the person becomes a good person, before he is declared righteous).No. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that a sinner is justified by faith and works. The Lutheran Church teaches that a sinner is justified by faith alone. “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
“Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood.” What does it mean to propitiate?To propitiate means to take away God’s wrath and to make God look with favor upon us. Propitiation can also be called a sacrifice of atonement.
This faith God imputes for righteousness in his sight.” What does it mean to impute?“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, …” (Romans 4:3-5)God imputes this faith for righteousness means that God counts us righteous through this faith.
What does it mean to have justifying faith? What must we believe/trust in to be counted righteous by God?It means that I not only believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose for me, but I trust that God actually forgives my sins on account of Christ and counts me as his child.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1
“Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6
“yet we know that a person is not justified[ by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16
“And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness … In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” Romans 4:5, 18
What is the “Great or Blessed Exchange?”“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous (in exchange) for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” 1 Peter 3:18“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6The Great Exchange is that God exchanged the sinless and righteous Jesus for us poor miserable sinners. Christ Jesus became our substitute.
What does it mean to be saved by grace?“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11:6“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24Salvation by grace is salvation as a free gift apart from works.
If you are justified by God, what does that say about your relationship with God?“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1I am at peace with God.
A merit is that which earns something. What is the sole merit of our justification? The merits of Christ, His perfect obedience and bitter suffering and death, which alone made atonement for our sins, merit our justification.
Romans 4:4-8, 14: Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,    and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. … For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. ”
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began… 2 Tim. 1:9
“even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6
But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2
33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34
As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. John 6:57
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3
but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
But he was pierced for our transgressions;    he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,    and with his wounds we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray;    we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on him    the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6
Objective and Subjective Justification
Objective Justification: By His death and resurrection, Christ justified the entire world, that is, He declared the entire human population just/righteous.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 1 Cor. 5:18-20who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Romans 4:25He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
Subjective Justification: A sinner only receives this justification by grace through faith when He believes that His sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake.yet we know that a person is not justified[b] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood (Objective Justification) to be received by faith.(Subjective Justification)
Justification must be true in order for it to be received by faith.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly teaches that we are justified, that is, declared righteous not because of our own works, but on account of Jesus’ perfect obedience and innocent sufferings and death by which He made satisfaction for all our sins. This justification is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus alone merits our salvation.

Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Robert Preus on the Pharisee and the Publican at Kramer Chapel on July 20, 1987. 
 

Trinity 10 Sermon on Luke 19:41-48, preached in 2009. You can read the text of the sermon at Christforus.org. 
 

Who receives this Sacrament worthily? Episode 14 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast is part three of three episodes on the Sacrament of the Altar. I'll discuss who receives the Sacrament worthily and why we practice closed Communion from the Bible. You can follow along at Christforus.org. 
#theology #Lutheran #closedcommunion #Lord'sSupper 
The Sacrament of the Altar Part 3: Who receives this sacrament worthily?   
Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”  
But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.
“Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training.” Are there spiritual benefits to fasting and bodily preparation?Yes, fasting and practicing self-control can help a person in his faith, but they do not make a person prepared to receive the Sacrament.“Bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way.” 1 Timothy 4:8Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What makes a person truly worthy and well prepared to receive the Sacrament of the Altar?Faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”
Who is unworthy to receive the Sacrament of the Altar?Anyone who does not believe or doubts Christ’s words.
“We believe, teach, and confess also that there is only one kind of unworthy guests: those who do not believe. About these guests it is written in John 3:18, ‘Whoever does not believe is condemned already.’ And this judgment becomes clear and more  grievous, being aggravated by the unworthy of the Holy Supper (1 Cor. 11:29: For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.) Epitome of the Formula of Concord VII:18.
How should you examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament?I should examine whether
I am sorry for my sins;“I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” Psalm 38:18“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you.” 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
I believe in my Savior Jesus Christ and what he says about this Sacrament.“This is my body, which is given for you. …. This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Luke 22:19-20“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” 2 Corinthians 3:15
I intend, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to amend my sinful life.“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”  Ephesians 4:22-23 (See Luther’s Christian Questions and Answers in the Small Catechism).
What if you’ve committed a terrible sin, but repented or you have a weak faith, does this make you unworthy to receive the Lord’s Supper?No, Christ instituted this Sacrament to strengthen and increase the faith of the forgiveness of sins.“I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24“Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” John 6:37
“We believe, teach, and confess that no believer—as long as he has living faith, however weak he may be—receives the Holy Supper to his judgment. For the Supper was instituted especially for Christians weak in faith, yet repentant. It was instituted for their consolation and to strengthen their weak faith [Matthew 9:12: Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.; 11:5, 28: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. … Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.].” Epitome VII:19
 We believe, teach, and confess that all the worthiness of guests of this heavenly feast is and is founded on Christ’s most holy obedience and perfect merit alone. We receive these for ourselves by true faith, and by the Sacrament we are assured of them. Our worthiness is not at all in our virtues or inward and outward preparations.” Epitome VII:20
“It must also be carefully explained who the unworthy guests of this Supper are. They are those who go to this Sacrament without true repentance and sorrow for their sins, without true faith and the good intention of amending their lives. By their unworthy oral eating of Christ’s body, they load themselves with damnation (i.e., with temporal and eternal punishments) and become guilty of profaning Christ’s body and blood.Some Christians have a weak faith and are shy, troubled, and heartily terrified because of the great number of their sins. They think that in their great impurity they are not worthy of this precious treasure and Christ’s benefits. They feel their weakness of faith and lament it, and from their hearts desire that they may serve God with stronger, and more joyful faith and pure obedience. These are truly worthy guests for whom this highly venerated Sacrament has been especially instituted and appointed. For Christ says:“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (Matthew 9:12)[God’s] power is made mighty in the weak. [2 Corinthians 12:9 Luther]As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him; … for God has welcomed him. [Romans 14:1-3]Who believes in [the Son of God, be it with a strong or with a weak faith,] may have eternal life. [John 3:15]Worthiness does not depend on the greatness of smallness, the weakness or strength of faith. Instead, it depends on Christ’s merit, which the distressed father of little faith [Mark 9:24: “I believe; help my unbelief!”] enjoyed as well as Abraham, Paul, and others who have joyful and strong faith.” Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord VII 69-71.
Agony and bitter laborWere the cost of God’s high favor;Do not come if you supposeYou need not Him who died and rose.Christ says: “Come, all you that labor,And receive My grace and favor:Those who feel no pain or illNeed no physician’s help or skill.“For what purpose was My dyingIf not for your justifying?And what use this precious foodIf you yourself were pure and good?”If your heart this truth professesAnd your mouth your sin confesses,You will be your Savior’s guest,Be at His banquet truly blest.Let this food your faith so nourishThat its fruit of love may flourishAnd your neighbor learn from youHow much God’s wondrous love can do. Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior, stanzas 7-10, LSB, John Hus (1369-1415, German version, Martin Luther, 1483-1546)
To whom should the Pastor not give the Lord’s Supper?
The publicly impenitent sinners, including those who belong to non-Christian religious groups.“You must not associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler- not even to eat with such a one. … ‘Purge the evil person from among you.'” 1 Corinthians 5:11, 13“What pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:20-21
Those who refuse to forgive those who sin against them.“If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15
Those of a different confession of faith, since the Lord’s Supper is a testimony of the unity of faith. Horizontal as well as vertical fellowship…“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:17“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26“Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” Romans 16:17
Those who are not able to examine themselves, such as infants, people who have not received instruction, or the unconscious.“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28
What is closed Communion and why do we practice it?Closed communion is the biblical practice of giving Christ’s body and blood only to those who have been instructed properly in the true Christian faith and who faithfully confess that faith. (This is why we don’t give communion to those who have not been instructed and examined or to those of different confessions).“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?.” 1 Corinthians 10:17-22“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26“No one is admitted to the Sacrament without first being examined.” (ACXXIV:6)“Chrysostom (347-407AD) says “that the priest stands daily at the altar, inviting some to the Communion and keeping back others.” (ACXXIV:36)“To be sure; it is true that those who despise the Sacrament and live in an unchristian way receive it to their hurt and damnation [1 Corinthians 11:29:30]. Nothing shall be good or wholesome for them. It is just like a sick person who on a whim eats and drinks what is forbidden to him by the doctors.” Large Catechism, 69-70.“We believe, teach, and confess that not only the true believers in Christ and the worthy, but also the unworthy and unbelievers receive Christ’s true body and blood. However, they do not receive them for life and consolation, but for judgment and condemnation, if they are not converted and do not repent (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). (Formula of Concord, Epitome: VII:16).
Conclusion
The only true requirement to be worthy to receive the Sacrament of the Altar is faith, because the Sacrament is Gospel, it offers free forgiveness of sins and grace by the merits of Christ. Sinners and those weak in the faith should find consolation, forgiveness, and strengthening of faith in the Sacrament. However, unrepentant sinners, those who confess a contrary faith, and those who are unable to examine themselves should not receive Communion, because the unworthy take it to their own judgment and Communion is a public confession of fellowship.

Sermon preached by Rev. James Preus for Trinity 8 on the text Matthew 7:15. You can read the sermon on Christforus.org. 

Trinity 9 Sermon by Rev. Rolf Preus from 2008 on the text Luke 16:1-9. You can read the sermon at Christforus.org. 

Trinity 7 sermon on Mark 8:1-9 preached by Rev. James Preus. You can read the entire sermon at christforus.org. 

Episode 13 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast is part two of three episodes on the Sacrament of the Altar. What benefits does Baptism give? You can follow along to the Bible Study at Christforus.org. 
#Theology #Lord's Supper #Lutheran
The Sacrament of the Altar Part 2
 What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?   
These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life and Salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. 
How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?   
Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along 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.”
What is the chief benefit or blessing of the Sacrament of the Altar?The forgiveness of sins.“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19“The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
What further blessings accompany the forgiveness of sins?Life and salvation.“But in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,” Luke 1:76-77“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” Psalm 79:9“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:7“For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” (Martin Luther)
The forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are eternal benefits (meaning they last forever in heaven). But what effect does receiving the Sacrament in faith have on your daily life?Because Jesus lives in me, I have the Spirit of life, who gives me power to fight sin and live a righteous life.“If Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:10“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
What does the Roman Catholic Church teach about the benefits of the Sacrament of the Altar? Why is this wrong?“At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given.” 1323 Catechism of the Catholic Church.“Thjs sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: ‘The victim is one and the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different.’ ‘And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and offered in an unbloody manner … this sacrifice is truly propitiatory.” 1366 Catechism of the Catholic Church“The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church. The Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering of Her head. With him, she herself is offered whole and entire. She unites herself to his intercession with the Father for all men. In the Eucharist the sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of his Body. The lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer, and work, are united with those of Christ with his total offering, and so acquire a new value. Christ’s sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with his offering.” 1367 Catechism of the Catholic Church“The Eucharistic sacrifice is also offered for the faithful departed who ‘have died in Christ but are not yet wholly purified,’ so that they may be able to enter into the light and peace of Christ.” 1371 Catechism of the Catholic Church“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:24-26And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10This is why Luther writes of the Papist Mass, “The Mass in the papacy has to be the greatest and most horrible abomination, since it directly and powerfully conflicts with this chief article. Above and before all other popish idolatries the Mass has been the chief and most false. For this sacrifice or work of the Mass is thought to free people from sins, both in this life and also in purgatory.” Smalcald Articles Part 2, Article 2.
What do you confess when you commune at a congregation? Should you commune at a congregation that teaches differently than what you have been taught from the Bible and the Small Catechism?I confess that I believe everything that is confessed and taught from that congregation. No, I should only commune at congregations that publicly confess the truth as taught in the Bible and the Small Catechism.“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?.” 1 Corinthians 10:17-22“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26
How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along 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.”“But here our wise spirits twist themselves about with their great art and wisdom. They cry out and bawl, How can bread and wine forgive sins or strengthen faith? They hear and know that we do not say this about bread and wine. Because, in itself, bread is bread. But we speak about the bread and wine that is Christ’s body and blood and has the words attached to it. That, we say, is truly the treasure- and nothing else- through which such forgiveness is gained.” Large Catechism V:28)
How can these words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins” do such great things? Whose words are they?They are the words of Jesus Christ Himself, my Lord and God.
Is it just ordinary bread and wine that give me the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation?No, it is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which were given and shed on the cross for us.
Does everyone who receives the Lord’s Supper eat Christ’s true body and blood, whether they believe or not?Yes
Does everyone who eats the true body and blood of Jesus in the Sacrament receive the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation? What must one have to receive these benefits?No. One must have faith, that is, one must believe the words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45“‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!’ But Jesus said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.'” Luke 11:27-28“All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink… Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”(1 Corinthians 10:3,5)
Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VII: The Holy Supper, 61-66: “61. There is a twofold eating of Christ’s flesh. One is spiritual, which Christ describes especially in John 6:54 [Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.]. This ‘eating’ happens in no other way than with the Spirit and faith, in preaching and meditation on the Gospel, as well as in the Lord’s Supper. By itself this is useful and helpful, and necessary for all Christians, at all times, for salvation. Without this spiritual participation the sacramental or oral eating in the Supper is not only helpful, but is even harmful and damning. 62. This spiritual eating is nothing other than faith. It means to hear God’s Word (in which, true God and man, is presented to us, together with all benefits that He has purchased for us by His flesh given into death for us, and by His blood shed for us, namely, God’s grace, the forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and eternal life). It means to receive it with faith and keep it for ourselves. It means that in all troubles and temptations we firmly rely—with sure confidence and trust—and abide in this consolation: we have a gracious God and eternal salvation because of the Lord Jesus Christ. 63. The other eating of Christ’s body is oral and sacramental, when Christ’s true, essential body and blood are orally received and partaken of in the Holy Supper by all who eat and drink the consecrated bread and wine in the Supper. This is done by the believing as a certain pledge and assurance that their sins are surely forgiven them and that Christ dwells in them and is at work in them. This supper is received by the unbelieving for their judgment and condemnation. 64. The words of the institution by Christ clearly declare this. At the table and during the Supper He offers His disciples natural bread and natural wine, which He calls His true body and true blood. At the same time He says, ‘eat’ and ‘drink.’ In view of the circumstances, this command clearly cannot be understood as anything other than oral eating and drinking. However, this is not a crude carnal, Capernaitic way, but in a supernatural way, beyond understanding. Afterward, the other command adds still another spiritual eating, when the Lord Christ says further, ‘This do in remembrance of Me.’ He requires faith. 66. All the ancient Christian teachers teach clearly and in full agreement with the entire holy Christian Church. According to these words of Christ’s institution and the explanation of St. Paul, Christ’s body is not only received spiritually through faith (which occurs also outside the Sacrament) but also orally (not only by believers and godly people, but also by unworthy, unbelieving, false, and wicked Christians). Since it is too long to be listed here, we would, for the sake of brevity, have the Christian reader referred to the exhaustive writings of our theologians.”
What other benefits are there to receiving the Lord’s Supper in faith?
Increased faith and confidence in one’s salvation.
Forgiveness of sins makes one certain of salvation and increases faith in God’s mercy.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
“It was to be an abiding memorial of His bitter suffering and death and all His benefits. It was a sealing and confirmation of the New Testament, a consolation of all distressed hearts, and a firm bond of unity for Christians with Christ, their Head, and with one another.” SD VII:44.
Increase in love toward your fellow Christians.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
Increase in good works in general.
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:10
What should admonish and encourage a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently?
First, both the command and promise of Christ the Lord. Second, his own pressing need, because of which the command, encouragement, and promise are given.  
But what should you do if you are not aware of this need and have no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament?
To such a person no better advice can be given than this:
First, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7:
Galatians 5:16-24: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Romans 7:18-25: For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Second, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as Scripture says in John 15-16 and in 1 John 2 and 5.
John 15:18-21: Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”
John 16:33: Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
1 John 2:15-17: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[c]—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 5:1-5: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16, 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; 2 Timothy 2
John 8:44: Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
1 Peter 5:8-9: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Ephesians 6:11-18: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
2 Timothy 2:24-26: And the Lord’s servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Conclusion
The benefits of eating and drinking the Sacrament are found in the words of Jesus, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. With the forgiveness of sins also comes life and salvation, the strengthening of faith and an increase of love. The benefits of eating Christ’s body and blood can only be received through faith. There is both an oral and a spiritual eating of Christ’s body and blood in the Sacrament. Everyone who eats consumes Christ’s body and blood orally, but only those who eat spiritually receive it to their benefit. The Sacrament is not a continuation of the sacrifice of Christ as the RC teach, but the giving of what Christ gained for us. All Christians should hunger and thirst for the Sacrament, because we dearly need it.