Home Communion: What does the Bible say?
Here's an outline of the topics discussed in this video:
1. Communion is a public act
1.a. "for you" is plural, verba
1. b. "we proclaim (καταγγέλλετε) the Lord's death until He comes"
1.b.1. 1 Cor 11:25 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.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
2. Therefore, there is no emergency communion
2.a. Emergency, by definition, is a suspension of order. Luther, quoting Cicero in the Large Catechism, "necessity knows no law" but, because there is no emergency communion, we are not free to suspend the normal order
3. The order of communion includes
3.a. Fellowship
3.a.1. Acts 2:42, "42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
3.a.2. 1 Cor 11:20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.
3.a.3. 1 Cor 11:33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.
3.b. The office of the holy ministry
3.b.1. 1 Corinthians 4:1, This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3.b.2. AC XIV, Article XIV: Of Ecclesiastical Order. Of Ecclesiastical Order they teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church or administer the Sacraments unless he be regularly called.
3.c. The keys
3.c.1. 1 Cor 11:17ff, 17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
3.c.2.a. Is there pastoral concern for the danger of unworthy communion, and who is accountable for such?
3.c.2.b. Closed communion, the confession of the true body and blood, and believing the warning of 1 Cor 11 almost always stand or fall together.
4. The Lord has arranged it so that communion is not necessary for salvation
4.a. Smalcald III.III "The Lord is abundantly rich..." i.e. the Gospel comes in distinct forms (Scripture, preaching, baptism, absolution, supper, the consolation of the brethren).
Scripture and preaching are appointed by God as the "Gospel from a distance"
4.a.1. Romans 10, "How beautiful the feet"
4.a.2. Or the examples of the epistles, and all the books of the Scripture, which minister at a distance and through time (i.e. a letter to Rome to the church in Philippi)
5. Further, divergence from the divine mandate introduces uncertainty where the Lord intends to give certainty.
6. Finally, how can we receive from the Lord this time of fasting from the Lord's Supper?
I'm excited to here your thoughts. Please comment below.
Lord's Blessings,
Pastor Wolfmueller
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