The New Covenant

Gospel writer Matthew records that Jesus’ final words of His last Passover meal were, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” (Matthew 26:27-29) As we look forward to His return, we memorialize this new covenant by partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine. Peter, one of Jesus close disciples notes these benefits attached to this sacrament: “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)