Recently, I have been thinking through a lot of epistemological and existential questions. How can we have certainty? How can we have knowledge? What is knowledge? Does it exist outside of our minds? If it does and assuming it is contingent upon God, how would I know this? Must I just believe? Is that my only answer?
As these things have been ravaging my mind there is something that was given to me that has brought me comfort and much peace.
The Lord’s Supper
While receiving the Lord’s Supper, I thought back to Christ’s words at the Last Supper. Christ says of the supper, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me … this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-20, ESV) and “drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt 26:27-28, ESV).
The bread… his body… given… broken… for me.
Why would someone do that for me? Why would anyone give their body for something as wretched as I? Why would he have his body broken for someone who would spit upon this truth?
The cup… poured out… the New Covenant… in his blood… for the forgiveness of sins.
Why would he allow someone such as myself —a doubter— into his presence? Why would he renew his promises to me, a sinner?
It is in these words, through this supper —this communion— with the Church and with Christ himself, that I confess and ask, “I believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24, ESV). I may have my doubts. I may have my confusion, but I have an all-powerful and all-knowing God, who has promised to save me. Who reminds me and nourishes me in these promises through this bread and wine, through his body and blood.
May my experience bring you encouragement and please share how you have seen the Lord’s promises given to you and how they have affected your life!