Closed Communion, the Biblical Case

About this sermon

Closed Communion Outline of the Biblical Argument 1. Communion is to be practiced in the context of pastoral care.  1.1 Paul warns about the danger of unworthy communion.  1 Corinthians 11:27-32 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 1.2 Paul calls the pastors “stewards of the mysteries of God.”  1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 2. The Sacrament of the Altar is where theological unity is expressed.  2.1 The Scriptures command theological unity.  1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (See also Philippians 2:1-4, 1 Peter 3:8, John 17:11, 17, Jude 3, 1 Timothy 4:6, 16, 2 Timothy 1:13) 2.2 False teachers and false teaching are to be avoided.  Matthew 7:15 [Jesus says,] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (See also Matthew 16:6, 12, Philippians 3:2, Colossians 2:8, 2 Peter 3:17, Galatians 1:6-9, Romans 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 11:19) 2.3 The altar is a place of confession.  1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? (κοινωνοὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου) What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Theology is life. Here's a dose of Biblical teaching and reflection from Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX. Today's question is about Closed Communion. Links: Support Deaf Missions in central Texas: http://www.wolfmueller.co/deaf The bookstore (where almost everything is free): http://www.wolfmueller.co/books/ To sign up for Pastor Wolfmueller's free weekly email of theological awesomeness called "Wednesday What-Not", visit http://www.wolfmueller.co/Wednesday. (Every month we give away a free book to a subscriber!) All the theological awesomeness ends up on the website: http://www.wolfmueller.co

Topics

• Bible Study
• Communion