Open or Closed
Originally scheduled for April 2
Perhaps it does not seem important, but there have been many
church fights over the question of just exactly who can be served
communion. Many churches today practice what is called “open
communion” in which practically anyone who claims to be a Christian
will be allowed to participate. Other Christian groups restrict who
was allowed, either by church law or custom.
An example of this
is found in the church in Richmond, Virginia in 1866. One rule was
observed: Communion could not be given to a solitary person --
at least two must be at the rail. This was to preserve the
spirit of Matthew 18:20.
From the back of the sanctuary, a former
slave stood up and strode forward. The minister was taken
aback. This was a “white” church; racial separation was
the firm belief of virtually all the members. This was also
the Lord’s Supper. The minister hesitated. The man was
at the rail alone; the minister was not obliged to serve Communion
to a solitary worshiper. What was he to do? .
Another
worshiper rose from his seat. He walked down the aisle and without a
word knelt by the first man to take Communion. His example
decided the minister’s action; Communion was served to both
men together. A courageous example from a courageous man: Robert E.
Lee.
Why such a fuss over communion? The answer is found in
Christ’s statement that his blood is the new covenant. His sacrifice
defined the new relationship with God the Father. You are either in
such a relationship or not; you either are a Christian or you are
not. That’s why it’s important; it’s the common signal that tells
the world and the church you are a Christian.
Communion is a
sign of the unity of the church. That does not mean we are all
interchangeable parts; the concept of being a “member” still
applies. But there are certain things we do hold in common that show
up at communion.
· It’s
a reminder that we are all sinners, in need of a Savior.
·
It is a reminder of the atonement of Christ, his sacrifice. It is
thus also a reminder of the price he paid for our forgiveness.
·
It is a reminder of his walking out of the grave — the resurrection
of which he is the firstfruits, with his church to follow.
·
It is reminder that Christ is the root of our faith.
Taking
communion is not a privilege guaranteed by having your name on the
roster. To take it honestly, you must be a genuine member — a
working part — of Christ’s church. We are united in seeing his body
in the bread; we are united in seeing his blood in the cup. As the
old hymn put it, “the Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her
Lord.”
