Withdraw from Sin, not from the Table

2 Cor 6:15-18 - "And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”

We invite to the Lord's Table all those not under the discipline of Christ’s church.

If you are not faithful to Christ, according to your age and ability, the church will not allow you to partake of this supper, just because you are baptized. We expect growth in the Spirit of holiness to follow your baptism. We expect you will sin, and that you will repent of that sin.

Now, God made us to need help from others to view ourselves rightly. We can deceive ourselves and think we are repentant, when our consciences are really seared. Or, we can have ultra tender consciences that don’t want to partake, when we need to receive strength and assurance from Christ in this meal.

So we urge you, do not withdraw yourself or your children from this table without talking with the elders. It is not dad’s place to keep this blessing from his children. He is to have them ready to receive it. We insist that you receive this bread and wine, as it is strength for your weakness. As overseers of your soul it is our responsibility to provide Christ’s sustenance in this way, or to deny these signs of forgiving grace to the impenitent.

What of those who are suspended or excommunicated from the table? If they really repent, they will willingly come back, as the prodigal son did, even if it means an awkward shame. This is the goal of discipline - bringing them to repentance, faith and purity. This is what God was doing in Israel as Saul fell. This is what God is doing in your life today. Sit before Him as children, humbly accepting His correction, His forgiveness, and His love.

9/6/09