Donald Fehlauer posted on October 05, 2005 00:00
In the Lord's Supper, we receive the true body and blood of Christ and, through faith, we receive forgiveness and eternal salvation. An unworthy communicant (unrepentant, unfaithful, or not recognizing the true body and blood of Christ) receives Christ’s body and blood to his judgment (1 Corinthians 11:23-32).
Therefore we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion using the following questions as an example:
1. “Do I repent of my sins?”
2. “Do I believe that the true body and blood of Jesus my Savior are offered here for the forgiveness of my sins?”
3. “Do I intend, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to amend my sinful life?”
The Bible also teaches that in Holy Communion we confess the communion of the saints, the fellowship of believers, proclaiming the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 10:16-21).
We are to celebrate Holy communion only with others who agree in faith, doctrine, and practice (Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11). Therefore, we practice “Closed” Communion.
We must not give the Sacrament to someone who will eat and drink to his judgment (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Out of Christian love and concern for souls, we commune only those whom we know are able to prepare themselves according to the commands of Christ. We instruct adults and children and have them commune after they have confessed their faith.
As we receive the Sacrament, we profess our full agreement in the faith. Some differences in church teachings and practice greatly confuse the true faith in Jesus. To maintain true unity in faith, doctrine, and practice, we commune only those who are communicant members in good standing of congregations which are in confessional agreement with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.