Hi there, i wonder how you see the meaning and value of holy communion there, especially when compared to catholism or orthodoxy.
The Lord's Supper is similar to the preaching of the word, it is effectual, and a means of grace.
Grace is conveyed in the same manner in baptism and the Lord’s Supper as it is conveyed in the preaching of the word of God. Not in the means (like Calvin) or the work performed (Roman Catholic), they convey the Gospel just like preaching of the word conveys the Gospel.
From the London Baptist Confession of Faith, 1689:
“…for the perpetual remembrance, and shewing forth the sacrifice of himself in his death,
confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof, their spiritual nourishment, and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe to him…” 30.1
“…Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this ordinance,
do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed…”
“…
spiritually receive, and feed upon Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death; the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally,
but spiritually present to the faith of believers…” 30.7
This is what, if I’m not mistaken, Bullinger taught and has been largely forgotten.
A Baptist Catechism:
Q. 95. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby
Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation. (Rom. 10:17;
James 1:18; 1 Cor. 3:5; Acts 14:1; 2:41,42)
Q. 98. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation?
A.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them. (
1 Peter 3:21; 1 Cor. 3:6,7; 1 Cor. 12:13)
Q. 107. What is the Lord’s Supper?
A. The Lord’s Supper is a
holy ordinance, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, His death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporeal 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. (1 Cor. 11:23-26; 10:16)
Q. 108. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?
A. It is required of them that would worthily (that is, suitably) partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves, of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body; of
their faith to feed upon Him; of their repentance, love, and new obedience: lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves. (1 Cor. 11:27-31; 1 Cor. 5:8; 2 Cor. 13:5)
There is no excommunication for evangelists? No ban?
Yes. Unrepentant sinners are excommunicated from the local church body.
If a member practices another religion or marry a muslim for example, can he be excommunicated or banned?
Please reply!
Thank you for your reply!
Although not advisable and the Elders would probably council against the marrying of someone outside of the faith I don't believe someone could be excommunicated for it. I don't really know.
Yours in the Lord,
jm
