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At the 2022 MN North Convention, we approved resolution 4-1, “To Confess the doctrine of Closed Communion and encourage its practice.” The MN North Board of Directors desires to fulfill this resolution through a few monthly newsletter articles written by our Regional Vice Presidents. We commend these articles for the edification of our beloved MN North District churches, schools, and workers. To Him be all the Glory!
EXAMINE WHAT YOU EAT
Rev. Dr. Karl Weber, MNN District 1st Vice President
When children are young, they, on occasion pause, and with furled brow examine what is served for dinner. “Mom, what’s ‘this?’” would be the perplexing cry! Their mom, a woman wise beyond her years would answer, “It’s nutrition, now eat it.”
Adults participate in this same examination when patronizing a fine establishment. They study the menu, and the sommelier will offer wine tasting to the patrons before the order is made.
When a person dines at the Lord’s Altar, she, hopefully, without furled brow, is to examine what she is eating and drinking asking: “What is this?” If we believe we are eating only bread and drinking a beverage we, says the Holy Spirit through St. Paul, are eating in an unworthy manner and guilty of sinning against Jesus (27). When we confess that we hold the resurrected body of Christ in our hands and in the wine Jesus’ resurrected blood wets our lips we are communing worthily (28). To not recognize the Sacramental presence is to bring judgment from Jesus (32) upon oneself (29). The proclaimed Word, Holy Baptism, and Holy Absolution only give bless but taking Communion improperly can harm us (30).
Society practices a form of “Closed Communion” all the time. Prescription medications are “closed” to the public because consuming medication without examination, without knowledge may potentially harm a person. That is why patients go through the “gatekeepers” of a medical doctor and pharmacist.
The Holy Spirit judges what is invisible, namely our hearts. When non LCMS people ask to partake of Holy Communion the pastor will act as the gatekeeper. He will judge what is visible, namely the marks, or teaching of the church to which they regularly attend. When those of a different confession of faith ask to commune, lovingly and kindly the pastor can say, “Not yet please hold off for now. I would like to have further conversation with your regarding the gifts of Jesus. When can we meet and open God’s Word together?” This is where mission work and evangelism take place through proclamation of the Word.
When a gatekeeper pastor says, “not yet” this is truly an act of love protecting people from judgment from Jesus (32)! Our Catechism asks, “374 Who should not be given the Sacrament?” It answers saying, “B. Those Christians who are unable to examine themselves such as infants and very young children, people who have not received proper instruction in the Christian faith, or the unconscious.” Pastors are always desirous to meet and correctly teach people the Word of God so they may be admitted to Holy Communion.
I rejoice that we have baptismal fellowship with all confess faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Communion fellowship is based on visible doctrinal agreement between visible church bodies. It is not based on the invisible faith of hearts. When the Holy Spirit led St. Paul to write the epistle to the Church of Corinth was St. Paul saying, “These words of mine are from the Holy Spirit, and you are free to ignore what I have taught and come to Holy Communion?” Or was St. Paul saying, “These words of mine are from the Holy Spirit, and before you come to the Lord’s Table you need to forsake / repent of false teaching and then you are welcome to come to Holy Communion.” Clearly St. Paul had in mind the latter.
Gently and patiently our Catechism points to the need for doctrinal agreement before one is to be communed. Lovingly it does so with this question, “374 Who should not be given the Sacrament?” Then it answer in this manner, “C. Those Christians of a different confession of faith, since the Lord’s Supper is a testimony to our unity in faith and doctrine.” Let me quickly say again, I rejoice we have baptismal fellowship with all who believe in Jesus as their personal Savior, regardless of their church affiliation. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and I truly rejoice in this gift. While faith in Jesus is necessary to call someone a brother or sister in Christ Jesus, doctrinal unity is necessary for communing at the same Altar.
“In all these instances, pastors are ‘stewards of the mysteries of God’ (1 Corinthians 4:1) which includes a sacred responsibility for admission to the Lord’s Supper. The individual communicant is to examine himself or herself, but this does not relieve the pastor of faithful and loving oversight at the Lord’s altar, which includes the examination of those who would commune. The congregation also has a responsibility for upholding faithful Communion practices” (SC, p. 344-345, Question: 374E Note).
Through all be kind, respectful, and gentle with those who attend church bodies which do not teach the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27; Mt 28:20). Be humble and patient for divisions hurt and there is enough sorrow in families and in life. At the same time be constant in prayer and above all faithful to Jesus’ Word (Rv 2:10) for God’s Word is what truly unites us (Jn 17:21) as we love Jesus more than anyone (Mt 10:37).
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