God's own Word which is added to the bread and the wine; for as Luther says, "Bread and wine alone are but bread and wine; but being united with the Word of God, they are truly the body and blood of Christ. For as the mouth of Christ speaks, so it is; He can neither lie nor deceive."
366. For whom is the Lord's Supper intended?
The Lord's Supper is intended for true Christians, who are of age and understanding to prove themselves.
1 Cor. 11: 28. [R. V.] Let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
367. What benefit do we have from the Lord's Supper?
It is shown by these words: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins;" namely, that in the sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
368. But does not the believer have the forgiveness of sins before he partakes of the Lord's Supper?
Yes; the believer has the forgiveness of sins through Baptism and the Word.
369. How, then, can the forgiveness of sins in a particular sense be connected with this sacrament?
Because in the Lord's Supper we receive the body and blood of Christ, which were offered up for us, as a sure pledge of the forgiveness of sins.