Providence Points: Special: Lord's Supper Preparation
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Biblical, Devotional & Informational
September 14, 2007
Vol. 2, No. 13
>From the Editor: The Supper of our Lord is to be administered this
Christian Sabbath day.
This special edition will explain the Supper and the pre-communion
self-examination that should be the habit of all.
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VIII. Understanding the Means of Grace: The Maturation Rite
Why do I label this the "maturation rite"? It is thus dubbed in order
to highlight the Presbyterian understanding in opposition to the
paedocommunion position. Paedocommunion so emphasizes the objective
element of the sacraments that the subjective and reflective demands
are watered down. Infants, toddlers, and young seven-year-olds are
encouraged to partake of a meal that requires spiritual discernment as
a cornerstone of participation. To "discern" the Lord's body is a
spiritual activity that moves beyond simply balancing the church
budget. In fact, death is specifically attached to this Meal for
those who flippantly or in ignorance partake thereof.
But I get ahead of myself. Let me define the Lord's Supper or the
Eucharist (the thanksgiving):
Q96: What is the Lord's supper?
A96: The Lord's supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and
receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death
is showed forth;[1] and the worth receivers are, not after a corporal
and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood,
with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in
grace.[2] 1. Luke 22:19-20 2. I Cor. 10:16
The long and short of this summary is that 1) Christ's death (not his
resurrection) is especially set forth in visible and tangible
elements. This is the sign-signification aspect of the Supper. Thus,
in common with Memorialists (who believe the Meal is only a mere
recollection of what Christ accomplished), Presbyterians affirm there
is a memorial aspect to the Supper.
But there is more. 2) "worthy receivers" receive the body and blood of
Christ. The work of the cross as accomplished through his body and
death is received by faith alone (WCF 29.7), There may be real
spiritual growth that may accompany or follow the taking of the
Supper. This is the seal, the confirmation of our faith and increase
of our faith in Christ. This is denied by the Memorialists (most
Charismatics and Baptists).
On the other hand, the Romish doctrine of transubstantiation is denied
because Presbyterians deny the bread and wine become the body and
blood o f Christ. Nor do we so affix grace to the Supper that it
attends every administration of it almost regardless of the spiritual
state of the recipient (some Federal Visionists). There is a proper
proportion of the Supper in its objective and subjective dimensions in
classical Presbyterian dogma (see Words of Life on the church
website).
This view of the Supper has been taught and is known by many of us-but
how many know of the requirements for the Supper? It is not to be
taken by just anyone. In fact, the preparatory aspect (both before,
during and after the Meal) was taken so seriously during Calvin's time
that the session or pastor interviewed the members before
administering the sacrament. This seriousness is reflected almost one
hundred years latter in the Larger Catechism:
Q97: What is required to be the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper?
A97: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the
Lord's supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to
discern the Lord's body,[1] of their faith to feed upon him,[2] of
their repentance,[3] love,[4] and new obedience;[5] lest, coming
unworthily, they eat and drink judgement to themselves.[6] (cp. Larger
Catechism Q171 for more detail).
Before coming to the Lord's Supper examination is required:
discernment of Christ's body (what He did for us), exercising faith
and repentance (as daily activities), loving our neighbors (especially
the church) and striving in obedience. This is quite a list.
However, the catechism is not stating that perfection is required (cp.
LCQ 172), but it is differentiating between the ignorant (children)
and the worthy recipients.
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 brings the issue of proper preparation for the
Supper into the foreground. Israel was sick because they had not
cleansed themselves (or prepared themselves) for the Old Testament
sacraments. After a prayer of forgiveness, the sickness was removed.
In like manner, 1 Corinthians 11:30 notes that "For this reason many
are weak and sick among you, and many sleep." This is a sober
warning. And our Confession takes it seriously.
What this means in practice is a proper mediation, a self-reflection
about the state of our souls. Perhaps on a Friday or Saturday night,
one could find a quiet time and pray, examine the Bible passage and
ask the Lord for more grace. Reflect upon life: are there
relationships that need reconciliation? Are you clinging to Christ as
your righteousness? Are you seeking repentance? Are you fighting sin,
however incomplete your success? This is not exhaustive nor minimal.
One cannot give a 1-2-3 step as a law to bind all consciences.
The Lord's Supper is a special time not unlike attending a suit-and-
tie meal with one's family. Yes, every day you should eat with your
family (not unlike weekly preaching), but on occasion a special time
requiring special instruction and preparation is required to celebrate
the family. Here, we are celebrating Christ and His death. It is a
solemn occasion requiring holy awe; yet a humble boldness is also
required lest we think to much about ourselves and withdraw from the
Supper.
I will quote from J. W. Alexander (from Remember Him) as a proper
balance to pre-Communion examination:
"But special counsel is necessary for those who tend to form adverse
judgments of their own state. Realize that you are looking for the
reality and not the perfection, or even eminence of piety. Life exists
in the infant as well as the robust man. Remember that all graces are
not always developed in the same degree. Do not be misled by the
experience of others. There is infinite diversity in the operations of
the Spirit. Do not yield to alarm because you do not have the feelings
which others have, or any certain order of exercises; but let the sure
Word of , God alone be your scales, standard, and touchstone." (p.15)
SDG