[quote:e845b1cfc0][i:e845b1cfc0]Originally posted by pastorway[/i:e845b1cfc0]
Yeah...I think I remember that verse...though I can't recall the chapter and verse: "Thou shalt only partake of the Lord's Supper if thou art a member of a local congregation."
:P
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I think this comment indicates the significance of the problem the modern church faces. Individual preference has become the standard by which such things are measured.
Up until the 20th century being an "independent" Christian shopping from from church to church was unthinkable. Being a Christian was defined by public profession AND baptism. The two were inseparable. Baptism was the initiation rite of the visible church. Once you were baptized you were, by defintion, a member of the local congregation. The individual did not have veto power over membership.
But times have changed and now the church faces such issues. We don't want to "offend" those who are "sincere" in their erroneous beliefs.
[quote:e845b1cfc0]
I agree with Bunyan that baptism is not even required for partaking of the Supper!!! Confessing your faith in Christ as Lord and Savior and examing yourself prior to partaking is sufficient. 1 Cor 11:23-32
Differences in Judgment about Water Baptism - No Bar to Communion by John Bunyan
Phillip
[Edited on 6-21-04 by pastorway] [/quote:e845b1cfc0]
With all due respect to Bunyan, I think he's wrong. The biblical pattern is pretty clear. Under the older covenant circumcision was required of those who wished to partake of the passover. Under the new covenant baptism IMMEDIATELY followed profession. There was no lag or delay such as the modern church has imposed. (Weeks of "new member" classes and other such artificial measures.) The biblical pattern was an acknowledgement of faith and repentance. The discipleship process came AFTER baptism, not before (Matt. 28:19-21).
If a person is unsure of their salvation their should be taught what it means and when profession is made they should THEN be baptized and admitted to the Table. Not before.
[Edited on 6-22-2004 by tcalbrecht]