QC and SG accountability (18/5/18)
Last meeting we raised the question of what would happen should a non-Christian participate in Holy Communion. It would seem that those who "eat and drink.. .in an unworthy manner"(1 Cor 11) are subject to judgment by God.
We noted that the 1 Cor 11 refers to Christians, and that Paul therefore said nothing about non-Christians taking Communion. That does beg the question as to what Communion is all about anyway. Christians throughout the ages have regarded the significance of this sacrament differently. Roman Catholics believe in 'transubstantiation', in which bread and wine have their true nature ('substance') changed in the Mass to flesh and blood. Other Christians (mainly the Lutherans), adopt the idea that in Communion the elements coexist in union with the body and blood of the Lord.('consubstantiation'). Methodists generally believe that the elements are only symbols to help us remember Christ's sacrifice.
I said that in 1 Cor 11 there are ways for us to understand the significance of Communion better. Firstly, we know that Jesus body was broken and His blood shed. We look behind in remembrance (v 24-25).
Secondly, we look forward to the Lord's coming. Communion testifies to the Lord's death to a watching world until the final consummation (v.26).
Thirdly, we look around. We partake of the elements always with the understanding that we are part of the body of Christ on earth (v.22, 29). We cannot adopt an attitude of callous indifference or superiority towards any other brother or sister when we come to the Lord's Table.
Finally, we look within. We 'examine' ourselves (v. 28) and judge ourselves truly (v.32). "and so eat...and drink."
We noted that the 1 Cor 11 refers to Christians, and that Paul therefore said nothing about non-Christians taking Communion. That does beg the question as to what Communion is all about anyway. Christians throughout the ages have regarded the significance of this sacrament differently. Roman Catholics believe in 'transubstantiation', in which bread and wine have their true nature ('substance') changed in the Mass to flesh and blood. Other Christians (mainly the Lutherans), adopt the idea that in Communion the elements coexist in union with the body and blood of the Lord.('consubstantiation'). Methodists generally believe that the elements are only symbols to help us remember Christ's sacrifice.
I said that in 1 Cor 11 there are ways for us to understand the significance of Communion better. Firstly, we know that Jesus body was broken and His blood shed. We look behind in remembrance (v 24-25).
Secondly, we look forward to the Lord's coming. Communion testifies to the Lord's death to a watching world until the final consummation (v.26).
Thirdly, we look around. We partake of the elements always with the understanding that we are part of the body of Christ on earth (v.22, 29). We cannot adopt an attitude of callous indifference or superiority towards any other brother or sister when we come to the Lord's Table.
Finally, we look within. We 'examine' ourselves (v. 28) and judge ourselves truly (v.32). "and so eat...and drink."
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