The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Communion

Wes,

Thanks for the two articles. IMHO, Williamson makes a serious error when he requires more than what the inspired Apostle Paul wrote concerning the qualifications necessary for individuals to partake of the LORD'S Table. Thus, I believe that Jack Richardson is true to the biblical mandate.

I also believe it is a far more grievous sin which the local congregation and to some extent, the entire Church commits when it forbids one of Christ's sheep from partaking of the Supper when the invitation is given but those who have not met with the Elders prior to that call are forbidden to partake of that sweet communion of the Lord. The "curse" is that which falls on the individual and not the congregation nor the Supper itself when a clear "warning" is given from the pulpit.

Secondly, Williamson makes a second error when he states as a requirement:

Is it not possible that an individual can be a true believer and follower of Christ yet belong to a denomination that is other than that which he would require? I am thinking immediately of yourself, whose congregation belongs to a denomination which cannot qualify as one that is "sound in doctrine and discipline". This faulty reasoning can also be seen if we were to reverse the above example; i.e., one could be a true believer and member of a local congregation which is errant but belongs to a sound denomination. And you can include all the various combinations that are possible as well.

What is important, is that the biblical injunction be followed and nothing added to it, 1) as does the "Confession", which Williamson quotes, which has appended, "or be admitted thereunto" and 2) the "tradition" to which he says, "an earlier practice that was virtually universal among the Reformed Churches". Thus the invitation to the Supper is to be made to ALL who profess Christ and who have examined themselves rightly. The local congregation can only forbid those individuals who are under its care and are known to be under discipline and/or who are known to be unrepentant of a known sin. Likewise, those who are KNOWN to be under discipline of another congregation are to be likewise forbidden. But other than this, there is no warrant nor authority given to forbid individuals from partaking of the Supper.

QUESTION: I have often wondered how far the Elders of a congregation would go to prevent someone from partaking of the Supper? For example, let's suppose a woman is known to be living in sin and is under discipline of the Session or Consistory and she has not repented of her sin. What actions should/could the Elders do to prevent this woman from participating in the Supper? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,