12.1.5.3 Fellowship

In divine service, believers can experience, again and again, the fulfilment of Jesus Christ's promise: "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matthew 18: 20). Divine service is thus fellowship with Jesus Christ. He is in the midst of the congregation in His word, and truly present in His body and blood. Beyond that, divine service is the fellowship of the believers gathered in the worship and praise of God. When, in addition to Holy Communion, the sacraments of Holy Baptism with water or Holy Sealing are dispensed in the divine service, the members of the congregation surround those receiving the sacrament as witnesses. In addition, each individual can apply these words of blessing to himself. Those who have already been baptised and sealed are thereby encouraged to recall anew the moment when they received the sacraments. This makes it clear that all reborn souls stand united in full sacramental fellowship.

See also