You can't improve on perfection

It's true - you can't improve on perfection.

Jesus death was perfect. It is complete. That's the truth that the next question in the catechism picks up on, as it also explains to us what we benefit from in the Lord's supper.

Q47. Does the Lord's supper add anything to Christ's atoning work?A. No, Christ died once for all. The Lord's supper is a covenant meal celebrating Christ's atoning work; as it is also a means of strengthening our faith as we look to him, and a foretaste of the future feast. But those who take part with unrepentant hearts eat and drink judgement no themselves.

The answer is clear - no, the Lord's supper doesn't add anything to Christ's work. By giving such a clear answer it immediately quashes any doubts over the effectiveness of Christs work on the cross. It stops us from thinking - I need to take this sacrament, I need to take this communion, if I am going to be accepted by God. That is nonsense. It devalues Jesus perfect, complete, once for all sacrifice. But in giving such a clear answer, it raises the question - what is the point of communion? Why bother with this sacrament if it doesn't do anything? Good question. As we answer it, it is important to frame it right. Look again at what the catechism asks. Does the Lords Supper ADD anything? Now that is an entirely different question from does the Lord's supper DO anything? Taking communion doesn't ADD anything to what Jesus has done. But it does DO something for us now. It brings all that Jesus has achieved and applies it to our hearts and minds now. It bridges that gap in time and space. It reassures us we don't need to add anything to Jesus perfect sacrifice. It tells us we don't need to do anything. It says, here, take, eat - HE is enough. Jesus is all that you need.

Each time we partake in the Lord's Supper we apply the perfect work of Christ to us now. Our souls are nourished. We are refreshed for all that we face in life. And our hope of heaven is brought front and centre once again.

The Lord's Supper may not add anything to Jesus work - but we sure need it!