7/1/14- Who May Partake in the Sacrament

We hold that baptism applies as much to the children of the faithful as to those who are of age and discretion, and so we condemn the error of the Anabaptists, who deny that children should be baptized before they have faith and understanding. But we hold that the Supper of the Lord is only for those who are of the household of faith and can try and examine themselves both in their faith and their duty to their neighbors. Those who eat and drink at that holy table without faith, or without peace and goodwill to their brethren, eat unworthily. This is the reason why ministers in our Kirk make public and individual examination of those who are to be admitted to the table of the Lord Jesus. (Scots Confession 23)

27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 

The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off to all whom the Lord your God will call.  (Acts 2:39)

Let the little children come to me and forbid them not. (Lk. 18:16)  For whoever welcomes a little child welcomes me...(Matthew 18:5)

Thoughts: Children are welcome.  In the Old Testament this was shown in circumcision- that they were a part of the household of faith- and that God;'s grace rested on children even before they could respond.  In the New Testament Jesus reminded his disciples who would only welcome adults that children should be welcomed to him as well.  Baptism is for men and women, and it is for children of the faithful as well as adults.  Baptism is the great equalizer between the poor and the rich, slave and free.  It is the great equalizer in age as well- for the grace of God that claims us is not simply up to us- but it is a calling of God.  
    Communion is a sustaining of those who have been initiated in baptism.  It is not for those who do not believe or are not able to understand/discern the Lord's body and blood (1 Cor. 11:29).
Baptism is an initiation, communion is a sustaining rite.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your grace calls us and sustains us.  Thank you that when we did not understand fully, you understood and poured your grace on us.