Weekly Confession – The Formula of Concord

Formula of Concord – Article VII “The Holy Supper of our Lord” 

Cain’s first mistake was not murdering his brother Abel. It was daring to approach God’s altar with an evil conscience. Cain rendered himself unworthy and unprepared to receive God’s blessing, and through his hypocrisy, hardened himself. Only those who are properly prepared, who repent of their sins and harbour no hatred in their heart, should be permitted to receive the Lord’s Body and Blood so as not to desecrating these gifts. “We believe, teach, and confess that not only the genuine believers and those who are worthy but also the unworthy and the unbelievers receive the true body and blood of Christ; but if they are not converted and do not repent, they receive them not to life and salvation but to their judgment and condemnation.” (FC Ep VII 16)