Abstract

STRAUSS, Piet J.. Allowed to partake in holy communion: A perspective through Reformed church orders. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2019, vol.53, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v53i1.2477.

Reformed Churches with church orders linked to the Dordt Church Order (DCO) of 1619 in some or other way, often use an own replica of, or DCO article 61 itself in this church order. That means that they keep to a closed or limited allowance to holy communion. Only those who can give an account of their faith in Christ, are allowed to partake in the sacrament. In these circles it is accepted that the sacrament of baptism quarantees the introduction of those who are baptised in the covenant of God's grace and of his church, and that the sacrament of the holy communion confirms and quarantees their staying in this covenant. That means that faith in Christ, in order to receive the full effect or blessing of holy communion as a sacrament, is a core condition to partake in it.

Keywords : Controlled communion; confession of faith as condition; communion overseen by church; four elements of sacrament; mark of true church; church in unity.

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