Theses on the Lord’s Supper

Theses on the Lord’s Supper

For thoughtful discussion:

1.    The Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated on the Lord’s Day.

2.  Quarterly communions are a departure from the Scriptural model of frequent communion.

3.  When the Word is preached, the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated.

4.  When the Word is preached there is no requirement for a second or third sermon at the Lord’s Table – this detracts from the normal association of Word and Sacrament.

5.  Bread and wine are the elements to be used in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

6.  It is better that an individual refrain from the Lord’s Supper than the command of Christ to use bread and wine be overturned.

7.  The normal setting of the Lord’s Supper is the gathered worship of the local church.

8.  The normal president at the Lord’s Supper is the regular preacher of the local church.

9.  It is contrary to the Scriptural pattern to have the Lord’s Supper only presided over by invited guest preachers.

10.               It is contrary to the Scriptural pattern for the pastor of the flock never or rarely to preside at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper with his own flock.

11. The Scottish Communion Season is a departure from the simplicity of the Scriptural pattern.

12.               Those who come to the Lord’s Table are to be baptised communicant members who have made a credible confession of faith.

13.               The qualification for the Lord’s Supper is a credible profession of faith not age.  Children who have made a credible profession should be admitted to communicant membership and come to the Table.

14.               Children who cannot discern the body of the Lord nor examine themselves to see if they can come in a worthy manner should not come to the Lord’s Table.

15.               Christ is truly and spiritually present through the bread and wine.

16.               The Lord’s Supper is a confirming not a converting ordinance.