Who is prepared to take Holy Communion?

[Classik]

What level of preparation do we need before we take Holy Communion (HC)?

My church says One must be baptised (and you must be a born again - of course).

My church usually emphasises on sanctification and purity from sin before one is qualified to take the HC.

As a result, we usually announce it ealier before the day so that all could come in purity, fully sanctified, before they partake of it. (Some have testified that some people who were contaminated with sin, who partook of the HC, were made sick. Some died in the sickness, some have remained sick, some suffered curses and condemnation.
So before the HC we prepare our minds and warn people who are guilty NEVER to partake of it. Some stubbornly take the HC. Why? They don't want people to think they have sinnned or have been sinning...
Not to answer my questions...but I want to hear from you.
Ta!

 

[Fedusenko]

I am not very knowledgeable on this subject. Please elaborate, but keep in mind my thoughts.

I am assuming you mean a spiritual baptism as water baptisms were completed a multitude of times by the same individual in ancient Jewish culture. There were also many types of baptisms for many types of purposes. Also, John's baptism was one to prepare for the Messiah, right?

How do we become pure for this?

Again, I don't know too much on this.

 

[Classik]

I am not very knowledgeable on this subject. Please elaborate, but keep in mind my thoughts.

I am assuming you mean a spiritual baptism as water baptisms were completed a multitude of times by the same individual in ancient Jewish culture. There were also many types of baptisms for many types of purposes. Also, John's baptism was one to prepare for the Messiah, right?

How do we become pure for this?

Again, I don't know too much on this.

The breaking of bread and taking of wine. Christ instructs us to do so.

 

[Tina]

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.†In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.†For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.


I believe the above scriptures are pretty spot-on in response to your questions.

My church also emphasizes baptism but "sanctification and purity from sin before one is qualified to take the HC" maybe is a bit too far-fetched and judgemental in my opinion. I guess this is between the baptized believer and God and the pastor/priest cannot possibly stop them from taking HC based on sin and repentance levels...

 

[Classik]

I believe the above scriptures are pretty spot-on in response to your questions.

My church also emphasizes baptism but "sanctification and purity from sin before one is qualified to take the HC" maybe is a bit too far-fetched and judgemental in my opinion. I guess this is between the baptized believer and God and the pastor/priest cannot possibly stop them from taking HC based on sin and repentance levels...

Thanks for your input, Tina.

I think one of the reasons our church always makes emphasis is to discourage some people from bringing condemnation upon themselves. Some have been living in secret sins...yet they want to take the HC. They do not want people to think something is wrong with their lives.


Yeah - I believe taking HC should be between that baptised believer and God. And people shouldn't be shy when they are convinced they are not spiritually sound to take it.

 

[Webers_Home]

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What level of preparation do we need before we take Holy Communion?

The answer to that inquiry is so simple that it just baffles me how some denominations (e.g. the RCC) have managed to blow the Lord's supper so far out of proportion.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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To begin with; there is but one valid reason for participating in the Lord's supper and it's this:
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†. Luke 22:19-20 . . And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying: This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
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In other words: the elements are intended to do but one thing and that's to memorialize the purpose of the Lord's crucifixion. So then, to eat and drink the elements for any other reason than Luke 22:19-20 is to do so unworthily because any other reason detracts from the crucifixion's purpose and marginalizes the Lord's ordeal.
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Where the Bible says to "let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup" it's saying that before somebody partakes of the elements they need to (1) first be sure they know what it's all about, and (2) be sure their heart is in the right place; viz: the Lord's supper is not supposed to be a mid-morning snack to hold the congregation till church lets out and they can then bolt for the nearest I-Hop for pancakes and maple syrup.
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FAQ: do I need to go to confession before partaking of the elements?
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Answer: no; you only need to (1) be sure you know what the Lord's supper is all about, and (2) be sure your heart is in the right place.
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FAQ: is the Lord's supper mandatory?
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Answer: no; participation is entirely optional; but whenever you choose to; be sure to make a conscientious effort to respect it's purpose so as not to insult a father who traded the life of his own son for the lives of unappreciative sinners who fully deserve nothing less than the unmitigated wrath of God.
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Cliff<o:p></o:p>
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[Classik]

Thanks, Webers_Home

I read your post. I appreciate your input.
However, Webers_Home, your post seems to suggest it is okay for even a sinner to partake of the HC.

A guitarist in a church could be a sinner and a church worker. If he understands what HC is all about...is he qualified to partake of it? Just curious.
Ta

 

[Webers_Home]

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your post seems to suggest it is okay for even a sinner to partake of the HC.

Everybody is a sinner, even the apostles: no exceptions.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
†. Luke 22:19-20 . . And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying: This is my body given for YOU; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for YOU.
<o:p> </o:p>
†. 1Tim 1:15 . . Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— among whom I am the worst.
<o:p> </o:p>
†. 1John 1:8 . . If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
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†. 1John 1:10 . . If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
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the pronouns "we" and "us" and "ourselves" indicate the apostle John included himself a sinner right along with the recipients of his letter.
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Cliff<o:p></o:p>
/

 

[Classik]

.
Everybody is a sinner, even the apostles: no exceptions.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
†. Luke 22:19-20 . . And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying: This is my body given for YOU; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for YOU.
<o:p> </o:p>
†. 1Tim 1:15 . . Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— among whom I am the worst.
<o:p> </o:p>
†. 1John 1:8 . . If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
<o:p> </o:p>
†. 1John 1:10 . . If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
<o:p> </o:p>
the pronouns "we" and "us" and "ourselves" indicate the apostle John included himself a sinner right along with the recipients of his letter.
<o:p> </o:p>
Cliff<o:p></o:p>
/

Thanks again for your reply.

Permit me to ask another question. We are not perfect yet - I agree. We have witnessed certain occasions where some who partook of the HC got very ill, while some had other similar problems? Have you witnessed anything similar? If yes, what really happened to these individuals? What is the possible cause?
Thanks!

 

[Fedusenko]

@ Webers_Home

You took my thoughts and laid them out as I understood them much better than I could have hoped to have done. Thanks.

@ Classik

I have not been water baptized, yet I have not gotten sick after taking communion. I have taken in both small intimate settings and with a full congregation.

Also, I have not had the opportunity to see someone get sick. That concept is new in detail, though I have heard vague warnings about HC.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Anybody who KNOWS who he is in Christ.

"What level of preparation do we need before we take Holy Communion (HC)?"

Minimal - if you've been in the normal process of Christian growth, and repentance of sin if you haven't.

"My church says One must be baptised (and you must be a born again - of course)."

Churches say all sorts of things, and line up the "Hoops" that their members have to jump through, of course. That's what "Religion" is all about. Communion is totally OPEN at our place - ALL Christians are welcome to partake, and no "Check list"beyond what's written in the Bible about the ritual is offered.

"My church usually emphasises on sanctification and purity from sin before one is qualified to take the HC.".

"Sanctification" is just another "Religious buzz word" that means different things to different paradigmatic groups. "Sanctification" is BOTH Instantaneous, AND Progressive. And If you say you HAVE NO SIN - you're a liar.

However, If You're a Christian you ARE "Pure from Sin" and perfect in God's sight. That's what Jesus did FOR you when you placed your faith in Him. And the "Body of Christ" you're supposed to be "Discerning" are the other Christians that you relate to - probably mostly in your congregation.

"Some have testified that some people who were contaminated with sin, who partook of the HC, were made sick. Some died in the sickness, some have remained sick, some suffered curses and condemnation."

Exciting place you've got there, y'all!! I've been in churches where communion is served for 50 years now, and never heard THAT particular "Scare tactic" practiced.

 

[Classik]

@ Webers_Home

You took my thoughts and laid them out as I understood them much better than I could have hoped to have done. Thanks.

@ Classik

I have not been water baptized, yet I have not gotten sick after taking communion. I have taken in both small intimate settings and with a full congregation.

Also, I have not had the opportunity to see someone get sick. That concept is new in detail, though I have heard vague warnings about HC.

The emphasis is not on baptism as you can see. The emphasis is on: can any person take HC provided he/she know what it's all about?


In some churches you can take HC before baptism and in some other churches it is the opposite - or individuals who could not meet up with baptism are allowed to take HC.

 

[Fedusenko]

So the pre-requisite of HC is just understanding and believing Christ died for our salvation and that he is Lord?

Make it simple so my dim bulb will grasp it.

 

[Fedusenko]

Re: Anybody who KNOWS who he is in Christ.

However, If You're a Christian you ARE "Pure from Sin" and perfect in God's sight. That's what Jesus did FOR you when you placed your faith in Him.

Do you say 'Christian' in the same way one might a Scottsman or just one who believes in Christ?

 

[Webers_Home]

.

We have witnessed certain occasions where some who partook of the HC got very ill, while some had other similar problems? Have you witnessed anything similar?

No.
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What is the possible cause?

I think it's well to keep in mind that even the best Christians eventually come down with something or other for no particular reason; for example Paul's pal Timothy. Surely no one would doubt the quality of his spirituality but nevertheless Tim's health was never really all that good. (1Tim 5:23)
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Cliff<o:p></o:p>
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[Webers_Home]

.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

So the pre-requisite of HC is just understanding and believing Christ died for our salvation and that he is Lord?

I seriously do not think it's necessary for Christ to be one's sovereign before they qualify to participate; nor even to believe the purpose of his crucifixion was to liberate sinners from the wrath of God. (though I'm positive it's necessary to at least understand its purpose)
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The reason I think that way is because the Lord's supper is supposed to be a memorial service rather than an initiation rite. In other words; it's a reminder; viz: a sort of "lest we forget" like the formalities performed at the tomb of the unknown soldier on Veterans Day. You don't have to be a veteran to pay your respects to America's fallen; but you do have to respect their sacrifice.
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So then, how might this play out? Well, supposing out of curiosity an Atheist, or a Buddhist, or a Hindu comes to a Baptist church one Sunday morning and it just so happens that day the Lord's supper is on the agenda. Baptist ministers typically re-indoctrinate their congregations as to the purpose of the Lord's supper before deacons pass out the elements; and in doing so, visitors become collateral damage so to speak; that is: they inadvertently get indoctrinated too.
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Once they fully understand the purpose of the Lord's supper, the outsiders can choose to participate or to let it pass: it's their call since the service is totally voluntary. In other words: I cannot, in all good conscience, fault non-Christians for participating in the Lord's supper any more than I can, in all good conscience, fault non-veterans paying their respects at the tomb of the unknown soldier because Christ gave his life for everybody, not just for Christians; just as the unknown soldier gave his life for everybody too; not just for veterans.
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†. 1John 2:2 . . He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
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BTW: it isn't necessary to be an American citizen to pay your respects to America's fallen nor even to be an ally. Warriors deserve to be treated with the respect due to all brave men and women everywhere who die fighting for what they believe in regardless of their national affiliation. God forbid that Americans should ever go to Germany, North Korea, Vietnam, or Japan and mock their memorials. God forbid.
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Cliff<o:p></o:p>
/

 

[Tina]

We have witnessed certain occasions where some who partook of the HC got very ill, while some had other similar problems? Have you witnessed anything similar? If yes, what really happened to these individuals? What is the possible cause?
Thanks!

Never witnessed anything like that nor heard of it .... :o

The possible cause could be bad ventilation in your church. Just ask them to install air purifier, problem solved. And make sure the bread is fresh and good wine is "served".

 

[Classik]

Never witnessed anything like that nor heard of it .... :o

The possible cause could be bad ventilation in your church. Just ask them to install air purifier, problem solved. And make sure the bread is fresh and good wine is "served".

Next time we would order wine and bread directly from heaven and H-C in Eden;)


And honestly if HC is such an any-man-may-take kind of situation then I'd invite the entire universe (who understand HC) for a time of HCing

 

[Classik]

We've had testimonies of divine/instant (some were gradual) healing (healing from diseases etc) told by some who partook of HC.

It continues.

 

[Fedusenko]

No one suggested 'ANYONE' could partake if they understood what HC was about. What was stated was that if you understood it AND your heart was in the right place. I assume the latter to mean that you believed in JC and that you followed Him.