“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him.” — John 6:56 (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)
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” — Hebrews 10:19, 22 (BSB)
The Eucharist is a holy communion with Christ—our crucified, risen, and reigning Lord. To receive it rightly is to come in His name, recognizing that it is His Body and Blood I receive, and that it is only by His invitation and intercession that I dare to approach. It is Christ who offers, Christ who serves, and Christ who is received.
The Book of Common Prayer reflects this beautifully in the Prayer of Humble Access: “We do not presume to come to this Thy Table… trusting in our own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great mercies.” This is the heart of Eucharistic reception—we come in Christ’s name, not our own.
Article XXVIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles also affirms that “The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper… only after a heavenly and spiritual manner,” and that “the means whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten… is faith.” This faith is not vague or general—it is faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The Lord’s Table is for sinners who trust in Christ. We come not to offer, but to receive; not to boast, but to be humbled; not in our name, but in His” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “To receive the Eucharist in the name of Christ is to recognize that we are guests, not hosts. He prepares the Table. He is the feast. And we come because He calls us” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) says, “Everything in the Eucharist points to Jesus. We come in His name because He is the center, the source, and the substance of the sacrament” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “The Eucharist is not about what we bring—it is about what Christ gives. We come in His name because He alone is worthy, and He alone gives life” (Eucharistic Homily, 2022).
Thus, I receive the Eucharist in the name of Christ because He alone has made the way open. He gave the meal, bears the wounds, pours out the Spirit, and feeds me with His love. It is all of Him, and all for me.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “You are fed by Him who redeemed you. Recognize the One who gave His life and now gives His flesh and blood. Receive humbly; receive believing.” — Sermon 227
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “No one may partake of the Eucharist except the one who believes Christ’s teaching, has been washed in Baptism, and lives as He commanded.” — First Apology, 66
St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397 AD): “When you receive the Body of Christ, say ‘Amen’—not out of custom, but out of faith. Say it because you believe, and because you come in His name.” — On the Sacraments, 4.25
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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