356. Why are Jesus' words always spoken over the bread and the wine by the pastor?
Without Jesus' words, there would be no sacrament, for it is by the power of His Wordthat He gives us His body and blood. "In the administration of the Holy Supper the Words of Institution are to be publicly spoken or sung before the congregation distinctly and clearly. They should in no way be left out. ... [For] the elements of bread and wine should be consecrated or blessed for this holy use, so that Christ's body and blood may be administered to [us]. ... This indeed happens in no other way than through the repetition and recitation of the Words of Institution" (FC SD VII 79, 82).
1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
Eventual commentary
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