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44. The Institution of Holy Communion.

After partaking of the paschal lamb, Jesus instituted a new memorial meal, the holy memorial meal of his death and his love even unto death. At the end, he took the bread, blessed it and broke it; he gave it to his disciples and said: ‘Take, eat! This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me!’ At the same time he took the cup and blessed it, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new testament, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’

The disciples ate of the bread and drank of the wine and strengthened the covenant of faithfulness and love with Jesus until death.

This is the Holy Communion or Lord's Supper, which has since been celebrated in all Christian churches on earth by the confessors of Jesus, that they may remember his death and his love, and that his body and blood may be united with them and sanctify and strengthen them for eternal life.