Partaking at the Lord’s Supper
The question is occasionally asked, “Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper?” To answer that we look to Scripture to see what specific requirements and principles it lays down for us.
In Luke 22 Christ gave the command, “This do in remembrance of Me.” This command was directed to His disciples and not to the world in general. Thus, we see the first and foremost principle. One must be a believer in Christ in order to partake of the bread and the cup.
First Corinthians 11 gives further guidance. There we learn that one must not partake in an unworthy or irreverent manner. This principle applies to both adults and children. Any person who partakes should do so respectfully being mindful and thankful for the significance of the symbols which speak to us of Christ’s body given for us and His shed blood which has made atonement for our sins. This is a personal evaluation.
First Corinthians 5 lays down the principle for exclusion. Any brother or sister living in sin is not welcome to partake. Thus, anyone who is under church discipline should let the emblems pass by. This is a church evaluation.
Scripture does not require baptism as a prerequisite to partaking. However, the pattern in Acts 2 and Matthew 28 appears to be that baptism preceded fellowship. We recommend that sequence.
Thus, adults may partake if:
- They have come into a personal salvation relationship with
Christ. - They can reverently worship with a clear conscience.
- They are not under church discipline.
Children may partake if:
- They have come into a personal salvation relationship with
Christ. - They can reverently participate by the singing of hymns, and follow scripture readings.
- Their parents agree that they can appropriately enter into
the spirit of worship.
January 2020