This thread was originally a poll about how often churches serve the Lord's Supper and what elements are used. In my response I specifically said I did not want to hijack the thread and turn it into another debate about paedocommunion. Next thing I know the poll is gone and the thread re-named. I'll know better next time.

These are all the same questions raised by those in the Federal Vision movement, and also the reason for the confusion in that movement about presumptive regeneration, or salvation by sacrament! One simply does not have to carry every little thing to extremes. For example, the verse says, "Let a man examine himself." One might say that that verse prohibits women and children from participation in the sacrament, because it says "let a MAN examine HIMself." One can even conclude from that verse that only ONE man should participate. A man (not men), himself (not themselves).

Looking at the rest of the Scriptures and taking this passage as part of the whole, I just don't see the justification for keeping children from the Table unless we also keep them from being baptized until they are examined and found to be in the faith. At least our Baptist brethren are consistent here while most of us Presbys are not.

The greatest in the kingdom of heaven are those who "are converted and become as little children (Matthew 18:3-4)." We already know it isn't any supposed innocence of childhood that Christ places such high value on, but rather the humility (dependence, trust) of children. They are not considered knowledgeable or wise, but Jesus describes conversion in terms of becoming like little children, and commands His disciples, "Let them come; forbid them not (Mark 10:14)." Can a humble person examine himself (or herself)? Probably with far greater accuracy and honesty than most adults I know.

The urge to nitpick something to death and make a law out of each jot and tittle is what drives us, I suppose, to grab a verse here and a verse there and turn it into a point of doctrine or a test of orthodoxy.

-R