Reasoning behind closed communion

It is wonderful to hear that your friend believes in Jesus as her Savior. Such faith establishes membership in the Holy Christian Church.

Membership in that Church is known only to God (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Timothy 2:19). For that reason, we sometimes call the Holy Christian Church “the invisible Church.”

Without the ability to look into anyone’s heart, you and I need to operate on the basis of what a person confesses. People make confessions of their faith by what they say. They also make a confession of their faith by their membership in a visible church. Their membership commits them to the doctrine and practice of their church. In practical terms, they represent their church and church body.

If we keep in mind that the reception of the Lord’s Supper is an expression of fellowship (1 Corinthians 10:17), we will to present an accurate picture of fellowship. While your friend is a fellow member of the Holy Christian Church, it sounds like she belongs to a church that is not in doctrinal agreement with our church. As she represents her church, it would not be an accurate picture of fellowship if she were to receive the Lord’s Supper in your church. Scripture instructs us not to participate in spiritual activities like worship and the Lord’s Supper with those are not united with us in faith (Romans 16:17).

Additionally, if your friend were to receive the Lord’s Supper in your church, she would be saying by her actions that she believes what your church believes and practices (1 Corinthians 11:26). You would have to ask her if she knows, understands and accepts the beliefs and practices of your church.

One of the purposes of closed communion, then, has the purpose of presenting, as far as humanly possible, an accurate picture of unity in the faith.

Another purpose of closed communion is to ensure that, as far as humanly possible, those receiving the Lord’s Supper are receiving it worthily and to their benefit, not their harm (1 Corinthians 11:27).

If your friend is not able to receive the Lord’s Supper with you in your church, she can certainly attend a worship service with you and be fed through God’s word. Through the gospel in word and sacrament, God brings the same blessings into the hearts of people.

I hope this information is helpful for you. Your pastor may have other resources to help you. As in all our conversations, this one too is one in which we want to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).