Question #4 is how can eating and drinking do such a great thing? The fast answer is - it can't. Luther's longer answer is:Eating and drinking certainly do not do it, but rather the words that are recorded: “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, when accompanied by the physical eating and drinking, are the essential thing in the sacrament, and whoever believes these very words has what they declare and state, namely, “forgiveness of sins."
There's nothing special about the bread or the wine. We don't get it from a special store, except for communion wafers which we order online. Without Jesus' words and promise, communion would just be a snack. It is Jesus words given with the bread and the wine that give us the benefits of forgiveness, life and salvation. Great stuff right! And how do we get these gifts? Simply by believing the words. Easy as that!
Luther's Question #5 is Who, then, receives this sacrament worthily? In other words, how do I know I'm ready to take communion? The answer is:
Fasting and bodily preparation are in fact a fine external discipline, but a person who has faith in these words, “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” is really worthy and well prepared. However, a person who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, because the words “for you” require truly believing hearts.
The thing that makes you ready is believing the promise that Jesus made and that he made that promise for you. God loves you, forgives you and has made you his child. That's the promise and Jesus always keeps his promises.
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