The Cup and the Cleansing

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” ( 1 John 1:7). Fall Communion Season 2025

The cup beside the bread is a second witness. Its color tells the story. Deep, dark, crimson, costly. There is no fragrance like it, no substitute known to man. The believer lifts it with both hands, knowing what it means. This blood speaks louder than all my guilt.

Every sin leaves a stain. Hasty words, undone duties, secret thoughts that rot in the corners of conscience. Water cannot reach them. Resolve’s solvent cannot lift them. Only one blood has power to cleanse what lies beneath the surface of the soul.

This world shrinks from blood, calls it barbaric. Yet heaven rejoices in it. Angels gaze with amazement upon redemption’s flow. Because this blood, spilled in rage, is poured out in love. It satisfies Divine justice while healing the wounded heart that caused it.

To drink from this cup is to confess, “My sin required this.”

It is also to believe, “This blood was shed for me.”

The two thoughts cannot be separated. Where confession deepens, assurance brightens.

The Supper as much about about beholding purification as it is remembering guilt. It is the taste of peace after long restlessness. The heart washed clean beats differently, slower, stronger, surer.

And when the last drop is taken, the believer is strengthened in forgiveness, that holy comfort, which becomes his constant desire. The conscience, once afraid to draw near, now draws near again and again. Perfect love has cast out fear.

O Christ, eternal Priest, keep me near this fountain.

Let no guilt grow old enough to harden.

Cleanse me daily, deeply, until even my memory wafts of mercy.

Your friend and pastor,

J. Lewis