Dear Pastor Jackson,
The word "testament" immediately brings to mind a parent's last will and testament bequeathing the inheritance to their child.
In Holy Communion Christ uses the word "testament" to institute His last will and testament bequeathing to us forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The corrupt Bibles such as the NKJV, NIV, RSV destroy this by using the word "covenant" instead of the word "testament" in Holy Communion.
NKJV "This cup is the new covenant in my blood..."
KJV and Luther's Bible "This cup is the new testament in my blood..."
Martin Chemnitz considered this a horrible sin when he wrote:
"For since Christ instituted His supper in the form of a testament, it is also not hallowed at another time to distort even a man's covenant if it be confirmed, by adding or subtracting. How much greater sin it is therefore to change or mutilate the testament of the Son of God. (Martin Chemnitz, Ministry Word, & Sacrament, CPH, 1981, pg. 122)
I firmly believe Christ my true testator gives me His last will and testament in Holy Communion, bequeathing to me forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Luther said "that little word "testament" is a short summary of all God's wonder and grace fulfilled in Christ." (Martin Luther, Word and Sacrament, CPH, LW, Vol. 35, pg. 84)
Luther also said, "So in this matter, you must above all else take heed to your heart, that you believe the words of Christ, and admit their truth, when He says to you and to all, 'This is my blood, a new testament, by which I bequeath to you forgiveness of all sins and eternal life." (Martin Luther, CPH, LW, Vol. 35, pg. 88)
LCMS newest hymnal keeps the KJV little word "testament" in Holy Communion.
Some LCMS pastors say "covenant" when instituting the Lord's Supper. This cannot and must not be tolerated in any Lutheran Church or synod. If your Pastor does this then find a Pastor who will institute Communion as a testament NOT a Calvinistic covenant. I refuse to go to communion when the Pastor says "covenant" and then request private communion instituted as a testament after the service. If he refuses then I report this to President Matthew Harrison. I cannot and will not remain silent. Neither can you. All is lost if we lose that little word "testament" in Holy Communion, Justification by faith in Christ is destroyed. Beware the corrupt NKJV, NIV, ESV corrupt translations.
Lord Jesus Christ Thou Hast Prepared - #306
"Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast Prepared"
by Samuel Kinner, 1603-1668
Translated by Emanuel Cronenwett, 1841-1931
1. Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast prepared
A feast for our salvation,
It is Thy body and Thy blood;
And at Thy invitation
As weary souls, with sin opprest,
We come to Thee for needed rest,
For comfort and for pardon.
2. Although Thou didst to heaven ascend,
Where angel hosts are dwelling,
And in Thy presence they behold
Thy glory all excelling,
And though Thy people shall not see
Thy glory and Thy majesty
Till dawns the Judgment morning,
3. Yet, Savior, Thou art not confined
To any habitation,
But Thou art present everywhere
And with Thy congregation.
Firm as a rock this truth shall stand,
Unmoved by any daring hand
Or subtle craft and cunning.
4. We eat this bread and drink this cup,
Thy precious Word believing
That Thy true body and Thy blood
Our lips are here receiving.
This word remains forever true,
And there is naught Thou canst not do;
For Thou, Lord, art almighty.
5. Though reason cannot understand,
Yet faith this truth embraces;
Thy body, Lord, is everywhere
At once in many places.
How this can be I leave to Thee,
Thy word alone sufficeth me,
I trust its truth unfailing.
6. Lord, I believe what Thou hast said,
Help me when doubts assail me;
Remember that I am but dust
And let my faith not fail me.
Thy Supper in this vale of tears
Refreshes me and stills my fears
And is my priceless treasure.
7. Grant that we worthily receive
Thy Supper, Lord, our Savior,
And, truly grieving o'er our sins,
May prove by our behavior
That we are thankful for Thy grace
And day by day may run our race,
In holiness increasing.
8. For Thy consoling Supper, Lord,
Be praised throughout all ages!
Preserve it, for in every place
The world against it rages.
Grant that this Sacrament may be
A blessed comfort unto me
When living and when dying.
Hymn #306
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: 1 Cor. 11: 26
Author: Samuel Kinner, 1638
Translated by: Emanuel Cronenwett, 1880, ad.
Titled: "Herr Jesu Christ, du hast bereit't"
Composer: Peter Sohren, 1668
