The question of what Lutherans believe about Communion, also known as the Eucharist or Holy Supper, is central to understanding Lutheran theology and practice. For Martin Luther and his followers, the understanding of Christ’s presence in the sacrament was a key point of contention with other reformers and the Roman Catholic Church. This belief is not merely a theological abstraction but profoundly shapes Lutheran worship, spiritual life, and understanding of God’s grace. At its core, Lutheran belief affirms the Real Presence of Christ in, with, and under the consecrated bread and wine.
The Real Presence: A Unique Understanding
Lutherans reject both the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation and the symbolic memorialism espoused by some other Protestant traditions. Instead, they hold to what is often termed “sacramental union” or “consubstantiation” (though Lutherans themselves often prefer the former to avoid confusion with Aristotelian philosophy). This means that while the bread and wine remain physically bread and wine, they are simultaneously the true body and blood of Jesus Christ.
“This is my body… this is my blood”
The foundation for this belief lies in Jesus’ own words at the Last Supper. As recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20) and Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), Jesus took bread and said, “This is my body,” and took the cup and said, “This is my blood.” Lutherans take these words literally, believing that Christ is truly and substantially present in the sacrament, offering Himself to believers.
Rejection of Transubstantiation
Transubstantiation, the doctrine that the substance of the bread and wine is changed into the substance of Christ’s body and blood, leaving only the accidents (appearance, taste, smell) of bread and wine, is not held by Lutherans. While affirming Christ’s true presence, Lutherans do not attempt to explain the precise ontological change in the elements. They focus on God’s promise and power, trusting that Christ fulfills His word.
Distinction from Memorialism
Conversely, Lutherans reject the view that Communion is merely a symbolic act or a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice. While it is indeed a remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death, it is far more than that. For Lutherans, it is not just the remembrance of Christ but Christ Himself who is present and active, offering His forgiveness and strengthening faith. To believe otherwise, they argue, would diminish the power and efficacy of Christ’s promise.
The Purpose and Effects of Holy Communion
Lutherans believe that Holy Communion is a divinely instituted means of grace, through which God actively conveys His blessings to believers. It is not a ritual performed by humans to appease God, but a divine act where God meets His people.
A Means of Forgiveness of Sins
One of the primary effects of Communion, according to Lutheran belief, is the assurance and application of forgiveness of sins. In the bread and wine, Christ offers His body, broken for us, and His blood, shed for the remission of sins. When received in faith, believers are granted a tangible and personal assurance of God’s pardon. This is why Luther often referred to the Sacrament as a “high-level Gospel” or a “word of God in tangible form.”
Strengthening Faith and Spiritual Life
Communion also serves to strengthen the faith of believers. By partaking in the body and blood of Christ, believers are united more closely with Him, receiving spiritual nourishment and renewed confidence in God’s promises. It is a source of comfort and encouragement, especially during times of doubt or suffering. Lutherans understand this as Christ feeding them spiritually, just as physical food nourishes the body.
A Sign of Christian Unity
The shared meal is also a profound sign of unity among believers. When Christians partake of the same bread and the same cup, they are expressing their communion with Christ and with one another as members of His body, the Church. However, this unity is not achieved merely by participating together. Lutherans believe that true unity in Communion is found in unity of doctrine, particularly concerning the understanding of Christ’s presence. This is why in some Lutheran traditions, altar and pulpit fellowship is restricted to those who share this confessional understanding.
Requirements for Receiving Holy Communion
Given the profound nature of Christ’s presence and the blessings conveyed through Communion, Lutherans have specific understandings regarding who should receive the sacrament. This is often referred to as “properly discerning the Body of the Lord.”
Faith in Christ
The primary requirement for receiving Holy Communion worthily is faith in Jesus Christ as one’s Savior. The benefits of Communion are received through faith. Those who approach the table without faith may receive the physical elements, but they do not partake in the spiritual realities of Christ’s body and blood. Therefore, an unrepentant sinner or someone who lacks faith in Christ would not be considered ready to receive the sacrament.
Understanding of the Sacrament
Lutherans also believe that individuals should have a basic understanding of what Holy Communion is and what they are receiving. This means understanding that it is not just bread and wine but the true body and blood of Christ, a means of grace for the forgiveness of sins. This understanding is typically developed through catechesis, confirmation instruction, and continued participation in the life of the Church. It is why infants are not typically communed in Lutheran traditions; they are, however, baptized and can be brought to communion once they have been instructed and confirmed.
Repentance and Confession
Before partaking, believers are encouraged to examine themselves and confess their sins. This often takes place corporately in the liturgy through a general confession and absolution, and individually through private confession. The emphasis is on receiving the sacrament with a repentant heart, seeking forgiveness and renewed strength from Christ.
The Liturgical Practice of Communion
The celebration of Holy Communion is the heart of Lutheran worship. The liturgy is structured to highlight God’s action and human response, with the sacrament playing a central role.
The Divine Service
Lutheran worship is often referred to as the “Divine Service” because it emphasizes God’s service to humanity. The liturgy typically includes readings from Scripture, a sermon (which expounds on the Word of God), prayers, and the celebration of Holy Communion. The structure often follows a pattern of Word and Sacrament.
The Consecration of Elements
During the liturgy, the pastor, acting in the stead and command of Christ, consecrates the bread and wine. This is done by reciting Christ’s institution words (“This is my body,” “This is my blood”) over the elements, believing that Christ’s promise is made effective at this moment.
Distribution and Thanksgiving
After consecration, the body and blood of Christ are distributed to the communicants. Following the reception of the sacrament, there are prayers of thanksgiving and blessings, acknowledging the gift received and asking for strength to live according to God’s will.
Conclusion: A Central Pillar of Lutheran Faith
For Lutherans, Holy Communion is far more than a religious ceremony; it is a tangible manifestation of God’s grace and love, a divinely appointed encounter with the living Christ. The belief in the Real Presence shapes their worship, their understanding of forgiveness, and their spiritual walk. By receiving the true body and blood of Jesus, believers are nourished, forgiven, strengthened, and united with Christ and His Church, finding in this sacred meal a profound assurance of God’s enduring presence and saving work.