“Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” — 1 Corinthians 10:16 (BSB)
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26 (BSB)
“I pray that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” — Ephesians 3:16–19 (BSB)
The Eucharist is not merely a symbol, nor is it a re-sacrifice of Christ. It is a participation in the one offering of the cross, made present to us by the Holy Spirit in a sacramental way. In this sacred meal, Christ communicates His grace—His life, His love, and His sustaining power—to all who receive worthily. We are united more deeply to Him, assured of His forgiveness, and nourished to walk in holiness.
The Thirty-Nine Articles, in Article XXVIII, state that “The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten… is faith.” This grace is not automatic; it is truly received only by those who trust in Christ and discern His presence.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The grace received in the Lord’s Supper is not in the bread and wine themselves, but in the presence of Christ to the heart that believes. He meets us in the feast to strengthen our soul, as truly as bread strengthens the body” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “The inward grace of the Eucharist is Christ Himself—crucified, risen, and reigning—given to His people as spiritual food and fellowship. The Supper is both a meal of memory and a moment of meeting” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “We receive not just bread and wine, but the life of the Savior who died for us. The Spirit lifts us to heaven where Christ is seated, and we are fed with His love, His peace, and His power” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “The Eucharist is where grace is poured out again and again. Not new grace, but the same grace of Calvary made real and close. Christ feeds His people so they will not grow weary on the road” (Eucharistic Homily, 2022).
Therefore, the inward and spiritual grace of the Eucharist is communion with the living Christ—who nourishes us with His own life, assures us of His promises, and strengthens us to walk in holiness and hope.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “This is the bread of heaven, which heals the heart within. He who receives it worthily is made alive; he who receives unworthily eats judgment.” — Sermon 227
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Just as the earthly bread, receiving the invocation of God, becomes Eucharist, so our bodies, receiving this spiritual food, are prepared for resurrection.” — Against Heresies, IV.18.5
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Through the Eucharist, we are taught that our souls are nourished by Christ, just as our bodies are nourished by food and drink.” — First Apology, 66
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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