Table Prayer I

. . . Who on the tree of the cross didst give salvation unto mankind; that, whence death arose, thence life also might rise again . . .

As you partake of your LORD’s body and blood in the Holy Communion this week, you hear the words of this table prayer chanted, declaring what has been the method and means for the salvation of all mankind as written in Holy Scripture.

There is a specific time and location that attends to your salvation. It was not worked out for you in some obscure location or in a dream. It was outside the gates of Jerusalem on Good Friday on a cross made of wood; wood that had been fashioned from a tree for the purpose of cruel execution.

The salvation procured through Christ Jesus is given to all mankind. It is not earned. It is not deserved. Just as Your Creator freely gave you life in this world and has sustained you by His tender mercies in giving you food and drink, house and home, and everything good when you did not deserve it, so He saw to it that you, and all people, would have a Savior from sin Who died your death.

This cross, and the death of Christ Jesus upon it, is your life; your eternal life. For where once you were dead in trespasses and sin, your now are made alive in Christ Jesus, because life arises from His death for you. It is a death of atonement. It is a substitute death, meaning that your death is placed upon Him, and His life is bestowed upon you, the exchange which God Your Father in Heaven is so anxious to provide for you at an unfathomable price.

When you participate in Christ’s Holy Supper you participate in the benefits of His cross, for He is a living Christ you receive, He is an atoning Christ you receive. The same salvation given on the cross is the salvation given to you in the body and blood of Christ Jesus.

The death that arose in the world is a death that arose in all times and in all places since the fall of Adam. The life that arises from the cross also arises at all times and in all places, inasmuch as God has declared throughout all the ages how He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.

This cross whereof we chant and sing just before receiving the Lord’s Holy body and precious blood is the only source of all forgiveness, for Christ Jesus was nailed to it, identified with it, becoming one with the curse of sin, though He Himself is totally pure and blameless, a Lamb Who is spotless and without blemish, who is faithful to His bride, the Church, now held as spotless and without blemish on His account and in His sight.

Joined to Christ Jesus in His cross, you now traverse your days of joys and sorrows with the ultimate goal of a resurrected body. You now take up entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.