What is the biblical basis for withholding communion from believers who are unbaptized? I have seen some use 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 “So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.” as the text used to restrict communion to those who are unbaptized....even if they are believers. But, what is the context in these verses? Paul is addressing a controversy where it seems some of the Corinthians were coming together to stuff themselves and excluding others. The early church document…the Didache (the teaching of the Twelve Apostles)….spells out the requirement for baptism before partaking of Communion. It states: “Now no one should either eat or drink from your thanksgiving meal, but those who have been baptized into the Lord’s name. For about this also the Lord said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs.” The Didache reference to the quote comes from Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” There again, that text is not specifically referencing the Lord’s Supper. So what is the origin of this teaching? Scripture or Tradition? Your thoughts?
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 02:56:48 +0000
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