What do Missouri Synod Lutherans believe about communion?
The Missouri Synod of Lutherans, one of the largest Lutheran church bodies in the United States, holds a unique and profound view of the Lord’s Supper, which is central to their faith. Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Table, is a sacrament that holds great significance in their doctrine and practice.
1.Sacramental Understanding
Missouri Synod Lutherans view communion as a sacrament, which is a visible, external sign of God’s grace. They believe that the elements of bread and wine, which are consecrated by the words of institution, are the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This understanding is rooted in the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, as recorded in the New Testament.
2.Real Presence
The Missouri Synod holds a doctrine known as “consubstantiation,” which teaches that the body and blood of Christ are present in, with, and under the bread and wine. This belief is a middle ground between the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrine of transubstantiation and the Anglican Church’s doctrine of consubstantiation. They believe that the physical elements of the bread and wine remain, while the divine presence of Christ is also present.
3.Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace
Missouri Synod Lutherans view the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace, through which God’s love and forgiveness are offered to believers. They believe that by partaking in communion, Christians receive the benefits of Christ’s atonement, strengthening their faith and assurance of salvation.
4.Only for Confirmed Members
In the Missouri Synod, communion is typically administered only to confirmed members, who have undergone a formal process of confirmation and are considered to have a mature understanding of the faith. This practice is based on the belief that only those who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ should partake in the sacrament.
5.Repeat Participation
The Missouri Synod encourages repeat participation in communion. They believe that Christians should partake in the sacrament regularly, as a means of continual grace and a reminder of their faith and commitment to Christ.
In conclusion, Missouri Synod Lutherans have a deep and profound belief in the Lord’s Supper as a sacrament of grace, a visible sign of the presence of Christ, and a means of strengthening faith and assurance of salvation. Their understanding of communion is central to their faith and is practiced with reverence and gratitude.
