Moderator: Dave Roberts
Joseph Patrick wrote:From Gerry Milligan...I recently had a conversation with a person who knows quite a bit more about the Bible than I do (most of those who are alive fall into this category). This person challenged my beliefs as to who could take the Lord's Supper. I am vaguely familiar with close, closed and open communion, all of which are traditionally reserved for born again believers. The person with whom I was discussing asked why is it reserved only for born again believers. Not being the Bible scholar that I should be, I could not answer this challenge. I have tried to get the answer from the Bible using several search engines but have not found an answer. What do you know about this? Is it clear from the Bible that the Lord's Supper is for any and all, or only for those born again?
Dave, how are you differentiating between Christians who have professed Christ and Open? I ask because most Baptists I know who speak of "Open Communion" mean open to all Christians who have professed Christ, regardless of or apart from the issue of baptism.Dave Roberts wrote:...Christians who have professed Christ, and Open.
I guess my question would be "Why would any unbeliever desire to take communion?"Joseph Patrick wrote:The person with whom I was discussing asked why is it reserved only for born again believers.
I think that the Lord's supper is intended for the Lord's disciples can be seen in the following.Joseph Patrick wrote:I have tried to get the answer from the Bible using several search engines but have not found an answer. What do you know about this? Is it clear from the Bible that the Lord's Supper is for any and all, or only for those born again?
Dave Roberts wrote:In the small church past of Baptists, the restriction of communion was part of the discipline of the church to keep members in line under community norms for that area. Then communion was parceled out to those in the local congregation considered worthy. The Baptist roots of this were in the Landmark Movement of J. R. Graves and C. M. Pendleton on the western frontiers in KY and TN. The actual roots are probably in Catholicism where the denial of eucharist was a way to imperil someone's salvation. Baptists have actually practiced four forms of communion practice: local church members only, Baptists only, Christians who have professed Christ, and Open.
Haruo wrote:Most non-Catholic communion services I have attended have been pretty open to whoever is present and wishes to partake. Christ is the one doing the inviting, generally. Maybe even in the LDS Sacrament service (bread and water!), I don't recall the words of institution there, but the elements were served to all and sundry, Mrs H and me included.
Jon Estes wrote:I would not dare stop someone in our service from participating. They would all end up at Timothy’s church.
THis is between the individual and God and I’m not God so I leave it to Him to deal with.
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