We preachers emphasize sin a lot. It is really hard not to. It is an undeniable truth about our fallen nature. Sin is not just what we do, it is who we are by nature.

We can turn the fact of our sin into redoubling our efforts to do it right. We become hard nosed legalists that no one wants to be around. Except other legalists.

We can turn the fact of our sin into guilt and shame. And then live out of that shame and guilt. We beat ourselves up all the time as a strange form of penance.

We can, and this is perhaps the worst option, ignore our sin entirely.

What must we do with our sin?

Communion with our Lord Jesus Christ calls us away from these destructive methods of dealing with our sin. We must take our sins to the cross, lay them at the feet of Jesus, and receive His grace and forgiveness. This is faith; casting yourself on the promise and provision of Jesus Christ.

And then live out of that forgiveness received by faith.

This table is designed for the family of faith; if you are an unbeliever, do not come.

Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Justified by faith

By faith we lay hold on the perfection of Jesus Christ our savior. His perfect life is our obedience. His perfect death is our covering for sin. We are justified before the eyes of a holy God. We are saints, holy, accepted and beloved, through faith in Jesus Christ.

Peace

We have peace. We don’t long for it, or strive to achieve it, we have it. Now, in this life. Peace with God; peace in forgiveness.

Access

The swords that guarded the Garden of Eden and prevented us from entering in, are taken away. We can enter the holy of holy now. We have access to God. We have communion with him. Fellowship with him. Access to him.

Rejoice

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. This simple bread and cup proclaim an astonishing truth. The glory of God. The promise of full, unfettered communion with God, of an endless life without sin, is freely given to us. So, we rejoice, even now, before we fully arrive.

Now, as we take the bread, the body of Christ which was given for us, remember Jesus became flesh that he might take us home to the Father.

Now as we take the cup, remember, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Your sin is gone, and you bear its guilt and shame and condemnation, no more. You are free, a child of God, a resident of glory.