Paul concludes his tender epistle to the Thessalonians by blessing them: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” This word of peace is common to the Scriptures. It is a word of profound transparency from the apostle’s heart. He desires nothing more than to see a congregation dwell in the grace of Christ.
This meal is also a word of benediction to us. It is not a spoken word, but an edible word. In bread and wine, we partake of the benediction of God. This sacrament is the seal of our union with our Lord. In these elements the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is affirmed and renewed in us.
