Myth #3: One should go to Holy Commun-
ion only when one feels "worthy and well prepared."
 
   These words of Luther are often misunder-
stood. Certainly one should prepare for Holy Communion. But one cannot "become worthy" of receiving it if the words are understood to mean meriting the right to commune. For GOD's grace by definition is the undeserved love of GOD in Christ Jesus (see Ps. 38:18; Eph. 2:8-9). To be "worthy and well prepared" doesn't mean attaining a certain level of goodness, but rather examining oneself and seeing one's utter need for Christ.
   What does Paul have to say along these lines in 1 Cor. 10: 12?
   In 2 Cor. 13:5?
   In a word, then, we go to the Eucharist (which means "thanks giving") not for anything we have done or deserve, but because we have been forgiven and are rejoicing in the forgiveness GOD has so graciously given us.
   Thanks be to GOD!
 

5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of GOD is perfected in Him. By this we know that we are in Him.
6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.   1Jn2
 
...and in Him there is no sin.
6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whoever has been born of GOD does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of GOD.   1Jn3
 
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of GOD,
17 And if children, then heirs - heirs of GOD and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with that we may also be glorified together.   Rom8
 
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as in Christ GOD forgave you.   Eph4
 
14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.   Mat6