The Holy Spirit Who dwells in us testifies to us that, in His body of flesh and blood, Christ Jesus laid down His life and took it up again, not for His own sake, but for ours, who through fear of death have been subject to slavery all our lives. He has not divested Himself of flesh and blood, but retains it, for when the first Adam was made in the image of God, he was made of true flesh and blood, and given the Spirit of God as well. It is a "package deal," as it were, and encompasses all of creation. God loves and blesses it all.
"Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham." (Hebrews 2:14-15, NASB)
Christ Jesus is the True Manna from heaven, whose body is given into death and raised up, but not before He, as God incarnate, institutes a way whereby we may eat and drink of this salvation, for He desires to impart His life into our bodies and souls unto life everlasting. Many take offense at this, but it stands nevertheless.
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, who for our sakes was crucified for our sins and raised up for our justification, grant Your Holy Spirit to your Church and Her pastors in order that, as we contemplate Your Passion, we may receive the benefits obtained through Your innocent sufferings and death and resurrection from the dead, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
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