Closed communion is the practice of permitting
only recognized church members the opportunity to partake of the Lord’s Supper
in the assembly. While there is no definitive evidence this was a first-century practice,
by the second century and beyond it had become an issue (cf. Justin Martyr, First Apology 66).
In addition to the Lord’s Supper, our
singing, praying, Bible study, and collection are also important aspects of our
worship assemblies. The biblical concept of “fellowship” [koinōnia] is more than what we
do. It is a spiritual relationship we either have or do not have with one another
based on our relationship with God (see What Does 'Fellowship' Really Mean?).
Should we ban non-Christians from our
worship assemblies? The first-century church apparently did not (1 Cor.
14:23-25). When we have non-Christian visitors, can/should we keep them from
engaging in any aspect of worship? If a non-Christian participates in the
singing, listens to the sermon and prayers, puts money in the collection
basket, and eats unleavened bread and drinks grape juice, he is no more saved
and no more lost than before engaging in these activities. There is still no koinōnia with God and God’s people.
Other than an erring member who has been
disciplined by the church (1 Cor. 5:1-13), there is no hint in the NT of an
alleged danger of allowing those who ought not participate in the Lord’s Supper
to partake of it. However, the NT does specifically address the issue of
excluding those who ought not be excluded (1 Cor. 11:17 ff.). In larger assemblies, I am unaware of any
fool-proof or practical way to determine and monitor all who are and are not
qualified to observe communion. This is not only a collective activity; it is
also an individual responsibility (1 Cor. 11:28).
--Kevin L. Moore
Related
Posts: Frequency of the Lord's Supper
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