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_371. Does not the sacrament of the Lord's Supper also bring about a more intimate fellowship between believers?_
Yes; believers are united in a closer fellowship through partaking in common of the Lord Jesus and eternal life in Him.
=1 Cor. 10:17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.=
_372. How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?_
It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does it, but the words which stand here: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins."
These words, together with the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the sacrament; and He that believes these words, has what they say and mean, namely, the forgiveness of sins.
_373. Is it of little importance how we receive the Lord's Supper?_
By no means; we must be prepared when we go to partake of these gifts. It is much worse to go to the Lord's Supper unprepared and unworthily than not to go at all.
_374. Who, then, receive this sacrament worthily?_
Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good outward practise;
But he alone is truly worthy and well prepared, who believes these words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins."
But he who believes not these words is unworthy and unprepared. The words, "=for you=" require truly believing hearts.
_375. Who, then, is rightly prepared to partake of the Lord's Supper?_
He who believes these words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins."
_376. What is meant by "believing" these words?_
Thereby is meant that we heartily feel our sin and unworthiness before G.o.d, but also that we confidently accept for ourselves the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
_377. Who partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily?_
They who do not feel nor repent their sins, and who do not from their heart believe in Jesus.
=1 Cor. 11:29. He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.=
_378. Why do such unconverted persons partake of the Lord's Supper?_
They do so either from custom or habit, or because they are ashamed to neglect the Lord's Supper, or again because they mean to please G.o.d by this outward obedience.
_379. Should such persons be admitted to the Lord's Supper?_
No.
=Matt 7:6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine.=
_380. What must we do in order that we may not partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily?_
We must prayerfully search our own hearts as in the presence of G.o.d, whether we repent our sins and believe in Jesus Christ, and whether we have an honest purpose to abstain from even our bosom sins.
=1 Cor. 11:28.=
_381. How often should we partake of the Lord's Supper?_
Christ has not told us how often we should partake, but He has said, "This do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me".
_382. What should move us to partake of the Lord's Supper often?_
First of all, the command and promise of our Lord and Savior; then, our own great need, which is the reason for our Father's tender invitation and promise of grace.
_383. What are the common causes for the neglect of the Lord's Supper?_
Spiritual dullness and indifference, a worldly mind, pride, and disregard for G.o.d's grace and ordinance.
_384. Should the feeling of our own unworthiness keep us away from the Lord's Supper?_
No; the more we feel our own unworthiness, and the more we sincerely long for G.o.d's forgiveness, the more worthy are we to receive His grace.
=Matt. 5:3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.=
=1 Pet. 5:5. G.o.d giveth grace to the humble.=
_385. What must we do when we receive the Lord's Supper?_
We must remember our Savior and His death.
=Luke 22:19. This do in remembrance of me.=
_386. How should we remember Christ's death?_
We should earnestly fix our mind upon the suffering and death of Christ, so that we may be strengthened in faith and in love to Him, who loved us unto death.
=1 Cor. 11:26. As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.=
_387. What should be our conduct when we have received the Lord's Supper?_
We should quietly think of the great love which G.o.d has shown us, and heartily thank Him for it; not only for a few days, but always, keep near to Jesus, show His death in word and act, and in a sanctified life prove that the body and blood of Christ have power to cleanse from sin.
=1 Pet. 2:24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto rigtheousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.=
_388. Is he who thus believes and lives in fellowship with Christ sure to be saved?_
Yes; when he continues steadfast in faith until death.
=Matt. 24:13. He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.=
=Rev. 2:10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.=
