"How can bodily eating and drinking do such a great thing?
Luther responds to this question in much the same way he responds to a similar question about baptism. It's not the water in the baptism, it's the water with the word of God. It's not the eating and drinking in the Lord's Supper, "but rather the words that are recorded:'given for you' and 'shed for you for the forgiveness of your sin.'" It's the words with the elements that make the difference. When we believe these words, and receive the sacrament, we have what the words say, "forgiveness of sin." I am blessed to be able to serve communion to the congregation on a weekly basis. I say your name, and I say "for you." No matter what joys or sorrows you may be experiencing, this gift is for you. There is nothing more personal that that. You receive Christ into your body in the gift of bread and wine. You are united with him. Forgiveness is "for you."
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