Grace and Peace Episode 40
Presbyterian Church of Easton
June 20, 2021
81Q. Who should come to the Lord’s table?
A. Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust that their sins are pardoned and that their remaining weakness is covered by the suffering and death of Christ,and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and to lead a better life. Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however, eat and drink judgment on themselves.
82Q. Should those be admitted to the Lord’s Supper who show by what they profess and how they live that they are unbelieving and ungodly?
A. No, that would dishonor God’s covenant and bring down God’s wrath upon the entire congregation. Therefore, according to the instruction of Christ and his apostles, the Christian church is duty-bound to exclude such people, by the official use of the keys of the kingdom, until they reform their lives.
1 Corinthians 11:27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
Many years ago church sessions took their responsibility for “guarding the communion table” very seriously. And they would deny access to anyone they knew was actively engaging in sin. But often they would focus more on what we had to do to get ready for communion and less on God’s grace drawing us there.
When Jesus administered communion he invited one who was about to betray him, another about to deny him, and ten more who were about to abandon him. Everyone at the table was a sinner. And sinners have sat around this table ever since.
If you falsely believe that you do not sin, or that your sin is unimportant, or that you can correct your sin without God’s help then you should stay away from the table. It is not a safe place for you. But, if you desire to come to the table, humble yourself, confess your sin, repent, and trust in God’s forgiveness, then the table is open for you. Come to the table! Experience God’s love.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your sacrifice which allows us to come around your table. Help us to confess and repent and receive your grace as we eat the bread and drink the wine of communion. In your glorious name we pray. Amen.
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