Post by Josh on Feb 6, 2007 16:51:54 GMT -8
10/05:
Communion
What stood out to me here was the admonitions not to take communion in an unworthy manner:
27 Therefore, 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. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Typically, Christians familiar with this verse have taken this to mean we should make sure we are right before the Lord (and others) before we partake of communion, implying that if we can't bring ourselves to do that, we shouldn't partake. While I think that is very wise, it seems to me here that Paul is particularly warning against taking communion when one has offended the other believers in the fellowship. Without recognizing the body of the Lord can mean, without recognizing the Church. All the examples here are about people who aren't waiting for the others, or are eating too much at the communion meal, or are getting drunk, etc..
I guess what I'm saying is that we need to remember that Communion isn't just about an ontological relationship (just between us and God), it is equally about our relationship to each other-- and our right standing with each other.
30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
I think as a Church we need to consider this warning-- and probably reinterate it often. I think Communion is really intended for sincere believers only and that that should be emphasized.
And when I come I will give further directions.
One must wonder what other advice he would have given. Just another reminder that Scripture isn't primarily a MANUAL of TIMELESS TRUTHS dropped from heaven, but a record of God's interactions with his people.
Communion
What stood out to me here was the admonitions not to take communion in an unworthy manner:
27 Therefore, 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. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Typically, Christians familiar with this verse have taken this to mean we should make sure we are right before the Lord (and others) before we partake of communion, implying that if we can't bring ourselves to do that, we shouldn't partake. While I think that is very wise, it seems to me here that Paul is particularly warning against taking communion when one has offended the other believers in the fellowship. Without recognizing the body of the Lord can mean, without recognizing the Church. All the examples here are about people who aren't waiting for the others, or are eating too much at the communion meal, or are getting drunk, etc..
I guess what I'm saying is that we need to remember that Communion isn't just about an ontological relationship (just between us and God), it is equally about our relationship to each other-- and our right standing with each other.
30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
I think as a Church we need to consider this warning-- and probably reinterate it often. I think Communion is really intended for sincere believers only and that that should be emphasized.
And when I come I will give further directions.
One must wonder what other advice he would have given. Just another reminder that Scripture isn't primarily a MANUAL of TIMELESS TRUTHS dropped from heaven, but a record of God's interactions with his people.
