Sin sent away; Spirit sent to us

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.^”

The words of institution in 1 Cor 11 are usually used at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This is why I say the same words that Jesus said every week: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” But in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus next said, “My blood is shed for many for the remission of sins.” This remission fo sins is the same phrase Peter preaches to Cornelius’ house, the last thing he says before the Spirit falls.

We know we have remission of sins because we are in God’s house, at Christ’s table, eating the food He gave us. We know we have remission of sins because we believe what Peter preached, like Cornelius did. We believe in one baptism for the remission of sins. Remission means sent away or released in the Bible. Our sins don’t cling to us, because we cling to Christ. The price, the cost of this remission, this forgiveness, was high. God can only send our sins away from us by sending Jesus away, the scapegoat. The wages of sin require not just death. Jesus descends to the hell of being sent away from the Father. So, God sends us the Spirit, and sends our sins from us. He sends for us to come to Him.

8/12/12