Last week I discussed how God takes baptism seriously. This week I want to look at Communion. In 1 Cor 11:28-30 the Apostle Paul says some of the Corinthians have become sick, and even died, because they were partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. So who should take Communion? The Anglican Prayer Book helpfully summarises the Bible for us on this one.
Firstly, only those who ‘intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God’, can draw near. If you are not a follower of Jesus, then refrain from the ceremony that commemorates his death. Furthermore, if you have refused the sacrament of baptism, then you are not following Jesus’ commandment to be baptised (Matt 28:19-20), and should also refrain.
Secondly, only those who ‘truly and earnestly repent of your sins’ may take this sacrament. An unrepentant sin is one we’re not really sorry for, because we secretly want that sin in our life. This is different to a habitual sin that a Christian continually repents of. An extreme example would be having an affair.
Thirdly, one must be ‘in love and charity with your neighbour’. This is a reference to the greatest commandment; love God and love your neighbour. If you are ‘out of fellowship’ with a Christian, and haven’t done everything in your power to reconcile (knowing we can’t control the other person’s response), then we are ignoring the greatest commandment, and should refrain.
The reason I give the above disclaimers before Communion is to warn people against God’s judgment. So please, examine yourselves before Communion; for God takes it very seriously.
Brendan McLaughlin
