Three Aspects of Close(d) Communion.

1) It is the Lord's Supper

2) Confessional Agreement.

3) Synodical Position.

I. IT IS THE LORD'S SUPPER.

A. Institution of the Lord's Supper

Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26

B. Real Presence.

Same Texts as above. Jesus is the Host and Jesus is the Meal.

[Few Lutherans disagree with close(d) communion practice in regards to someone who denies the real presence of Christs Body and Blood.]

I Corinthians 11:27-29

C. Blessings Received in the Lord's Supper.

1. Mystical Union - between the believer and Christ. The foundational gift is Christ's body and blood. Through these we are united with Christ: "a participation in the blood and body of Christ." It along with faith is the primary gift in the sacrament.

2. Unity of the Church - is both established and strengthened in the sacrament. As we are united with Christ we are united with each other: "we all partake of one bread." This partaking does not bring about unity that does not already exist. It is celebrated because Christ has already brought about this unity in Christ. Paul is concerned that this supper not be celebrated in the context of division.

3. Forgiveness of Sins - Ours sins are forgiven and we are restored to wholeness. We live in love and gracious favor of God and are in need of God's forgiveness. (Simul Ustes et Pecater)

4. Everlasting Life - we have this now but not yet. We desire this and want this more fully because this is a means of grace.

5. Strengthening of Personal Faith - God's promise never becomes uncertain but our faith wanes and the promise becomes uncertain to us. This faith is strengthened in and through this means. This is a regular reminder of God's promises with visible signs.

6. Increased Love Towards God - Christian's attitudes change by loving Christ more than when we first came to the sacrament. This is gift from God, because of his love for us in Christ.

7. Increased Love Towards Neighbor - Our love spills over to all other human beings. No distinctions in God's eyes, therefore we should forget our differences. We do not need works of love for our own benefit but the benefit of others. We must be reminded frequently through participation in this supper.

II. CONFESSIONAL AGREEMENT

In this section we focus our attention on I. C. 2., above; Unity of the Church is one blessings of the Lord's Supper.

A. God's Word with Regard to Fellowship and Close(d) Communion.

I Corinthians 11:26-34

I Corinthians 1:10

I Corinthians 5:11

I Corinthians 10:14-22

II Corinthians 6:14-16

Romans 16:17

Galatians 1:6-9

Amos 3:3

B. The Lutheran Confessions with Regard to Fellowship and Close(d) Communion.

Augsburg Confession Art. XXIV, 36 (Tappert)

T. P. P. P. .72

Large Catechism; Fifth Part: Lord's Supper .58-61 [Is false doctrine sin?]

Formula of Concord; Epitome .1-2

Small Catechism; Sacrament of the Altar; IV

"Who must not be given the Sacrament?"

1) Those who are openly ungodly and unrepentant.

2) Those who are unforgiving, refusing to be reconciled.

3) Those of a different confession of faith, since the Lord's Supper is a testimony of the unity of faith.

4) Those who are unable to examine themselves. . .

III. SYNODICAL POSITION

A. Synodical Resolutions on Close(d) Communion.

B. Membership in Synod.

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