We have seen that this cup contains the wine of reconciliation. We were reconciled to God through the death of Jesus (Col.1:21-22). This is the cup of reconciliation.
But the blood of Jesus is also quickening blood. Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54).
The ancient law tells us that the life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev. 17:11). When we are partakers of Christ’s flesh and partakers of His blood, we are therefore partakers of His life. But His life, now that He has conquered death, is eternal life, everlasting life. This is the gift He offers to us.
The Bible tells us that we cannot partake of Christ partially. If we are joined to Him in His death, we are also joined to Him in His resurrection. If we are joined to Him effectually, we cannot accompany Him part way through that journey. He that began the good work in us will complete it.
There are those who are united to Christ covenantally, but because of their unconverted heart, as we see in John 15, they never partake of true and efficacious union Him—and hence they bear no fruit. That is why they are cut off, taken away and burned.
But this is not why you are here. You are here because you have trusted in Christ. He has invited you to His table, and He has invited you to drink the wine of everlasting life. And here it is, set before you. Of course you must come in faith, and without faith it is impossible to please God. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that your faith is the wine. No, your faith receives. Your faith drinks the wine, and it is life-giving wine.
When I hold a Bible up and say, “This is your life,” not one of you thinks, “Really? Paper and ink can do that?” No, the Word is potent because God promises to meet us here, not because there is magic in the substance of the book. It is the same with bread and wine. God meets us here—and He meets us with eternal life.