Community and Communion, Part 1
This Sunday we once again have the opportunity to celebrate our family meal: the Lord’s Supper. I’ve recently come to the realization that some of my instructions have (unfortunately) been the source of confusion and consternation to some. What does it mean when I say that one needs to be a “baptized member of a church in good standing” to be able to partake, and why do I say that?
Let me first emphasize what I believe is the most important point when considering who is invited to the table: this meal is a meal for sinners. We do not and cannot make ourselves good enough to partake of Christ. Rather, it is because we are so weak and sinful that he has given us this physical gospel proclamation, personally reminding each of us that he gave himself for us. I hope that nothing else I write undermines this point.
But what do I mean when I “fence the table” (as it is sometimes called) with those words? As I’ve thought about people’s confusion, I’ve come to realize that the word “member” might be a bit unhelpful, especially since church membership works very differently in different churches. So let me say what I mean in a different, and slightly more wordy way: if you trust in Christ as your Savior and Lord, if you have been baptized and have publicly identified yourself with Christ (either through believer’s baptism or through profession of faith), and if you are in good standing with your church, you are welcome to partake.
I imagine most of us feel comfortable with the first condition, but (you might ask) why is it important to mention things like baptism and being in good standing with one’s church? These are good questions, and I want to give next week’s letter to answering this more fully. For now, let me just say this: the Lord’s Supper does not just celebrate our union with Christ; it also celebrates our union with each other. As Paul writes, “We who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” We cannot with integrity celebrate this “family meal” while at the same time not being visibly and meaningfully a part of a particular church family.
I’d be quite eager to hear from you any questions or comments, and I hope to help make this last point a bit clearer and more persuasive next week!
