". . . we have abandoned the papistical errors and idolatries, and can have no fellowship [communion] with them, and also why we know, and can think of, no way for coming to any agreement with the Pope concerning them." --Solid Declaration Rule & Norm 7
"For none are admitted [to the Supper] except they be first examined." --Augsburg XXIV:7
"it is not usual to give the body of the Lord, except to them that have
been previously examined and absolved." --Augsburg XXV:1
I have noticed that those who usually opt for giving Communion to all those who believe in the Real Presence usually take a more "living document" approach to our Confessions on this issue. Not everyone, but many.
There can be no doubt what our Confessions meant historically. The Lutherans would not commune with Rome, either at their altars or theirs.
"Examined" meant catechized into the Lutheran faith and understanding of the Sacrament.
"Absolved" was the catechumen's First Holy private Confession and Absolution.
To be sure, there is pastoral discretion. But pastoral discretion is for exceptional cases such as emergencies or danger of death.
It is harmful to aid and abet our non-Lutheran brethren in their false views of the Supper. It is harmful to aid and abet our non-Lutheran brethren in staying in heterodox churches.
I have come to realize that closed Communion is a more vital position than ever.
Closed Communion upholds the Gospel and the necessity of uniting with those churches that uphold the Gospel in Word and Sacrament.
I know it is not popular, but pastors need to uphold closed Communion. We do not want to condone even implicitly someone staying in the Roman church or any other heterodox church.
I say the above not out of arrogance, but out of concern for the current state of the LCMS on this issue. Although the LCMS has spoken on this many times at the Synod level, it is not enforced.
May our prayers ascend for unity in the LCMS on this issue! May the Lord be gracious and merciful to us sinners.
I have noticed that those who usually opt for giving Communion to all those who believe in the Real Presence usually take a more "living document" approach to our Confessions on this issue. Not everyone, but many.
There can be no doubt what our Confessions meant historically. The Lutherans would not commune with Rome, either at their altars or theirs.
"Examined" meant catechized into the Lutheran faith and understanding of the Sacrament.
"Absolved" was the catechumen's First Holy private Confession and Absolution.
To be sure, there is pastoral discretion. But pastoral discretion is for exceptional cases such as emergencies or danger of death.
It is harmful to aid and abet our non-Lutheran brethren in their false views of the Supper. It is harmful to aid and abet our non-Lutheran brethren in staying in heterodox churches.
I have come to realize that closed Communion is a more vital position than ever.
Closed Communion upholds the Gospel and the necessity of uniting with those churches that uphold the Gospel in Word and Sacrament.
I know it is not popular, but pastors need to uphold closed Communion. We do not want to condone even implicitly someone staying in the Roman church or any other heterodox church.
I say the above not out of arrogance, but out of concern for the current state of the LCMS on this issue. Although the LCMS has spoken on this many times at the Synod level, it is not enforced.
May our prayers ascend for unity in the LCMS on this issue! May the Lord be gracious and merciful to us sinners.
No comments:
Post a Comment