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The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church
- Contents
- 8.2.1 Designations for the sacrament
- 8.2.2 Old Testament references to Holy Communion
- 8.2.3 Jesus' miracles of feeding and Holy Communion
- 8.2.4 The Passover meal
- 8.2.5 The institution of Holy Communion by Jesus Christ
- 8.2.6 Holy Communion in the first epistle to the Corinthians
- 8.2.7 The significance of bread and wine
- 8.2.8 Holy Communion as a meal of remembrance
- 8.2.9 Holy Communion as a meal of profession
- 8.2.10 Holy Communion as a meal of fellowship
- 8.2.11 Holy Communion as an eschatological meal
- 8.2.12 The real presence of the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion
- 8.2.13 The real presence of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion
- 8.2.14 The relationship between forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion
- 8.2.15 Holy Communion and the Apostle ministry
- 8.2.16 The words of consecration in Holy Communion
- 8.2.17 The celebration and receiving of Holy Communion
- 8.2.18 The prerequisites for partaking in Holy Communion
- 8.2.19 The manner in which Holy Communion is received
- 8.2.20 The effects of Holy Communion
- 8.2.21 Eligibility for partaking in Holy Communion
- 8.2.22 Communion celebrations of the churches
8.2.14 The relationship between forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion
The forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion are closely related to one another. Both the forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion have their foundation in Christ's sacrifice (Acts 13: 37-38). Jesus Christ instituted Holy Communion on the basis of His sacrifice: "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26: 28). At the same time, these words of the Lord make it clear that He brought His sacrifice in order to redeem mankind from sin.
Christ authorised His Apostles to proclaim the forgiveness of sins (see 7.6.2) and to celebrate Holy Communion as He Himself had done with them (Luke 22: 19).
Although the sacrifice of Christ becomes present in Holy Communion, Holy Communion does not in itself effect forgiveness of sins. Rather, the forgiveness of sins proclaimed before the consecration of the elements of Holy Communion also enables believers to worthily partake of Holy Communion.