The Lord's Supper is one of two primary ordiances in the church instituted by Christ Himself. It is a very special time of fellowship, personal reflection and evaluation, and a re-committing ourselves to the Lord and to the fellowship of believers. But is this sacred meal only properly to be observed when most of the church is present? Or can it be properly done in homes with only a few believers?
I have really been wrestling over this issue lately because of the desire of many of our shut-ins to participate in the Lord's Supper, even though physically they really aren't able to come and worship anymore.
In the Baptist confession of faith written in 1689 (one of the most detailed and lengthy confessions), it is stated of the Lord's Supper:
"1.THE Lord's supper was instituted by the Lord on the same night in which He was betrayed. It is to be observed in His churches to the world's end, for a perpetual remembrance of Him and to show forth the sacrifice of Himself in His death. It was instituted also to confirm saints in the belief that all the benefits stemming from Christ's sacrifice belong to them. Furthermore, it is meant to promote their spiritual nourishment and growth in Christ, and to strengthen the ties that bind them to all the duties they owe to Him. The Lord's supper is also a bond and pledge of the fellowship which believers have with Christ and with one another."
In this one paragraph of this confession about the Lord's Supper, we can observse both the corporate aspect as well as the individual aspect of the blessing of participating in this meal.
The question that I have is, which is more important and does one overrule the other? For example, can I as a pastor alone go and administer the Lord's Supper to an elderly shut-in, or does at least a portion of the church be represented because of the communal aspect of the meal? Sure the more practical and easier thing to do would be for me to just do it alone when I'm out doing my visiting during the day. But as one who is trying to be obedient and honoring to God, what is easier or practical cannot be my guide. I have to think through what I'm doing and make sure that what I'm doing lines up with Scripture and with the intention that Christ had when He instituted it.
Insights and comments from other believers who are also striving for God's glory are always welcome. :)
