Why We Practice "Close" Communion

November 20, 2022 Pastor: Jared Cornutt Series: Stand Alone Sermons

Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, November 20, 2022 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
Why We Practice “Close Communion”

Introduction: When we take communion, we put a “fence” around the Lord’s table, because we believe participation is a serious matter. We say, if you are an active member, not under discipline, you are welcome to take it, or if you are an active member of another church, baptized by immersion, you are welcome to take it. I want to share with you why I think it’s actually very loving and kind and gracious that we “fence” the table.

There are three ways churches practice communion:
• “Open Communion” – All professed believers are invited to join in observing the ordinance.
• “Closed Communion” – Only church members in good standing are allowed to partake.
• “Close Communion – Communion is limited to all believers in Jesus who have been baptized by immersion.

Why limit communion? Because it is a serious thing to come to the Lord’s table in an unworthy manner:

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. (11:27-30)

To explain our church’s tradition of “close communion” I want to answer some questions:

  1. What is the Lord’s Supper?

    For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (11:23-26)

    Bobby Jamieson gives a great definition: “The Lord’s Supper is a church’s act of communing with Christ and each other and of commemorating Christ’s death by partaking of bread and wine, and believers’ act of receiving Christ’s benefits and renewing their commitment to Christ.”

    Lord Jesus, every time we take communion, please help us to remember You, proclaim Your death, and look forward to Your coming again.

  2. Who is the Lord’s Supper for?

    • For Christians, those who have placed their faith in Jesus.

    • For baptized Christians, those who have testified by baptism that they belong to Christ.

    • For baptized Christians who belong to a church.

      We would hope that for those who are excluded, non-believers would realize their spiritual need and come to Christ, and believers would realize their need to profess Christ publicly through baptism and to take an active part in a local church.

      Lord, every time we take communion together, please help us to share the joy of belonging to and following You. Please open the hearts of visitors to enter into that joy by responding in faith to You.

  3. Why do we practice “close communion”?

    • Because of our church constitution and statement of faith: Our constitution says the Bible is the inspired

      Word of God and the basis for our statement of faith; that we subscribe to the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. The Baptist Faith and Message says “Being a church ordinance, [baptism] is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.”

    • Because of our understanding of the word “baptize” which means to “immerse.” Baptism by immersion symbolizes our joint death and resurrection with Christ, picturing what has taken place spiritually.

    • Baptism is a matter of obedience. We want to be obedient to God’s Word.
      Lord, please help us always to walk in accordance with the Scriptures, loving You and one another.

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