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“The New Testament in My Blood”, October 22
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new
testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Luke 22:20
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In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, Christ pledged
Himself to them as their Redeemer. He committed to them the new
covenant, by which all who receive Him become children of God, and
joint heirs with Christ. By this covenant every blessing that Heaven
could bestow for this life and the life to come was theirs. This covenant
deed was to be ratified with the blood of Christ. And the administration
of the sacrament was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice
made for each of them individually as a part of the great whole of fallen
humanity.
But the communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing.
This was not its purpose. As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table,
they are not to remember and lament their shortcomings. They are not
to dwell upon their past religious experience, whether that experience
has been elevating or depressing. They are not to recall the differences
between them and their brethren. The preparatory service has embraced
all this. The self-examination, the confession of sin, the reconciling
of differences, has all been done. Now they come to meet with Christ.
They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving
light. They are to open the soul to the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness. With hearts cleansed by Christ’s most precious blood,
in full consciousness of His presence, although unseen, they are to hear
His words, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as
the world giveth, give I unto you.”
John 14:27
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The atoning sacrifice is full and sufficient. It is the new covenant,
sealed with His blood, which was shed for many for the remission of
sins. This Christ declared at the Last Supper. In this cup there is to those
who drink in faith, peace-making, soul-cleansing efficacy. It is the balm
of Gilead, which God has provided to restore health and soundness to
the sin-stricken soul.
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