| Question | Who are the proper subjects of this ordinance? |
|---|---|
| Answer | They who have been baptized upon a personal profession of their faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance from dead works. 1 |
The Baptist Catechism Set to Music
Benjamin Beddome’s Exposition
May all come to the Lord’s supper?
No.
It is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs,
Matthew 15:26
May those come who are prepared?
Yes.
Sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice,
1 Samuel 16:5
But after all our care will there be some intruders?
Yes.
Friend, how earnest thou in hither?
Matthew 22:12
Are baptized believers proper subjects of this ordinance?
Yes.
They that were baptized—continued in the apostles’ fellowship, and in breaking of bread,
Acts 2:41
Should this their faith be professed?
Yes.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,
Romans 10:10
And be joined with repentance?
Yes.
For we read of the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God,
Hebrews 6:1
And be exemplified in a good conversation?
Yes.
If any man that is called a brother, be a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one, no not to eat,
1 Corinthians 5:11
May weak believers be admitted?
Yes.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye,
Romans 14:1
And returning backsliders?
Yes.
Restore such an one in the spirit of meekness,
Galatians 6:1
And in all difficult cases should we rather err on the charitable side?
Yes.
For charity believeth all things, hopeth all things,
1 Corinthians 13:7
The Westminster Larger Catechism
| Question | May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, be kept from it? |
|---|---|
| Answer | Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ hath left in his church, 1 until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation. 2 |
| Question | What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper in the time of the administration of it? |
|---|---|
| Answer | It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, 1 diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, 2 heedfully discern the Lord's body, 3 and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, 4 and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; 5 in judging themselves, 6 and sorrowing for sin; 7 in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, 8 feeding on him by faith, 9 receiving of his fulness, 10 trusting in his merits, 11 rejoicing in his love, 12 giving thanks for his grace; 13 in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints. 14 |