Lutherans believe--and the Bible teaches--that in Holy Communion, we receive the very body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given and shed for sinners. We come to the Lord's Table with the conviction that the Lord Jesus Himself is present there for us. He is our guest, as He comes into our midst. He is our h0st, as He offers a table to us. He is our meal, as it is His true body and blood that we receive.
Our belief regarding the presence of Jesus at Holy Communion makes us unique among Protestant churches. That means it's no small thing to come before the altar to receive the Sacrament. For that reason, the vast majority of Christians throughout the history of the Church have practiced closed communion. This means that only those who confess their sins, recognize the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament, and have unity with us in our confession of faith are invited to join us at the Lord's Table.
Countless Christians of differing beliefs have slandered those who practice closed communion by saying that we are "unloving" or "judgmental" or that we somehow believe that "only LCMS Christians are true Christians." These answers are driven by emotion and not by the clear teaching of God's Word. Here's what the Bible does teach about who should come to Holy Communion at this altar:
Our belief regarding the presence of Jesus at Holy Communion makes us unique among Protestant churches. That means it's no small thing to come before the altar to receive the Sacrament. For that reason, the vast majority of Christians throughout the history of the Church have practiced closed communion. This means that only those who confess their sins, recognize the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament, and have unity with us in our confession of faith are invited to join us at the Lord's Table.
Countless Christians of differing beliefs have slandered those who practice closed communion by saying that we are "unloving" or "judgmental" or that we somehow believe that "only LCMS Christians are true Christians." These answers are driven by emotion and not by the clear teaching of God's Word. Here's what the Bible does teach about who should come to Holy Communion at this altar:
1. Those who come to Holy Communion should recognize that they are sinners in need of forgiveness.
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"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28, ESV)
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2. Those who come to Holy Communion should recognize that the very body and blood of Jesus are being given.
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"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." (1 Corinthians 10:16-17, ESV)
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3. Those who come to Holy Communion should recognize that being unprepared for the Sacrament can be both spiritually and physically dangerous.
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"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." (1 Corinthians 11:27-30, ESV)
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4. Those who come to Holy Communion should have unity with those gathered at the table with them.
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"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. 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, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 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." (1 Corinthians 11:17-22, ESV)
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5. The ministers of Christ are accountable to God for the faithful distribution of God's gifts.
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"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:1, ESV)
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The truth is that we do want you to join us at Holy Communion! We want you to gather with us as those who (1) recognize that we are sinners in need of forgiveness, (2) that Jesus is truly present for us with His body and blood for our forgiveness, and (3) that we enjoy the unity that God desires between those who gather together at His table. We practice closed communion because we love you. We practice closed communion because we believe that our doctrine is right and pure, even though we ourselves are "poor, miserable sinners" (Lutheran Service Book, page 184). We practice closed communion because we want every person that does come to the Lord's Table to do so in the joyful gladness that our Lord receives us as those worthy to enter His presence and receive His blessed gifts.
If you are interested in receiving Holy Communion at Our Redeemer, please contact our pastor for more information and to set up an appointment.
If you are interested in receiving Holy Communion at Our Redeemer, please contact our pastor for more information and to set up an appointment.
