by Tom Butler » Fri Jun 01, 2012 3:28 pm
Interesting discussion, hampered a bit because the participants can't seem to agree on terms.
Here are mine:
Closed---members only
Close---Baptists only
Open--All Professing Christians
We can discuss and debate the extent of the Lord's table all we want, but as long as we have disagreement over whether The Lord's Supper is a Christian ordinance or a Church ordinance, we won't resolve the other question. Where you start determines where you come out.
Also, another roadblock is the definition of what a church is. If one subscribes to the Universal Church concept, there'll be no agreement with those who see only local congregations in the New Testament.
Still other roadblocks to consensus are whether a believer must be baptized to take the Lord's Supper; and, if yes, what constitutes valid baptism?
Me? I'm a local church only, closed communion kinda guy.