- #GC361 Imperfection, then, does not prevent us from approaching it? On the contrary, the Supper would be of no use to us, if we were not imperfect. It is an aid and support for our weakness.
- #GC362 Do these two sacraments not serve another end? Yes, they do. They are also signs and marks of our profession. That is to say, by them we declare that we are of the people of God, and make confession of our Christianity.
- #GC363 How ought we to judge a man who never wishes to use it? He could not be regarded as a Christian, for in so doing he refuses to confess himself as such, and tacitly, as it were, disavows Jesus Christ.
- #GC364 Is it sufficient to receive each once? Baptism is only ordered to be received once, and may not lawfully be repeated. But this is not so with the Supper.
- #GC365 What is the reason for that? By baptism God introduces and receives us into His Church. After He has received us, He signifies by the Supper that He wishes continually to nourish us.
- #GC366 To whom does it belong truly to baptize and administer the Supper? To those who are publicly charged to teach in the Church. For the preaching of the Word and the distribution of the sacraments are things conjoined.
- #GC367 Is there any certain proof for this? Yes, indeed. Our Lord specially charged His Apostles to baptize as well as to preach (Mat 28:19). In regard to the Supper. He ordered all to follow His example. Moreover He performed the office of a m...
- #GC368 But ought pastors, who are appointed to dispense the sacraments, to admit without discretion all who present themselves there? In regard to baptism, as it is administered today only to infants, there is no need for discrimination; but in the Supper the minister ought to take heed not to give it to a man whom he recognizes to...
- #GC369 Why so? Because it would pollute and dishonour the sacrament.
- #GC370 But our Lord admitted Judas to the Supper, impious though he was? His iniquity was still hidden, and although our Lord knew it, yet it was not evident to all.
- #GC371 What then is to be done with hypocrites? The minister cannot exclude them as unworthy, but must wait until God has revealed their iniquity.
- #GC372 But what if he knows or has been warned that someone is unworthy? That would not be sufficient to exclude him, unless there were a legitimate investigation and decision of the Church.
- #GC373 Then there ought to be some order and polity regarding this? Yes, if the Church is to be well ordered. Some persons must be appointed to watch out for the offences that may be committed. And they, with the authority of the Church, should refuse communion to tho...
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