Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

ministers of God see that the ordinance be not profaned by the admission
of such disreputable and iniquitous guests. For can it be expected that
God will manifest his approbation when the pale of his sanctuary is
broken down; and the beasts of the forest introduced into the holy of
holies!
It may be here asked, "Who then should approach this awful
ordinance?" I answer, 1. Every believer in Christ Jesus who is saved from
his sins has a right to come. Such are of the family of God; and this bread
belongs to the children. On this there can be but one opinion. 2. Every
genuine penitent is invited to come, and consequently has a right, because
he needs the atoning blood; and by this ordinance, the blood shed for the
remission of sins is expressly represented. "But I am not worthy." And
who is? There is not a saint upon earth, nor an archangel in heaven, who
is worthy to sit down at the table of the Lord. None are excluded but the
impenitent, the transgressors, and the profane. Believers, however weak,
have a right to come; and the strongest in faith need the grace of this
ordinance. Penitents should come, as all the promises of pardon
mentioned in the Bible are made to such; and he that is athirst may take
of the water of life freely. None is worthy of the entertainment, though all
these will partake of it worthily; but it is freely provided by Him who is
the Lamb of God, who was slain for us, and is worthy to receive glory and
majesty, dominion and power, for ever and ever.
Every soul who wishes not to abjure his right to the benefits of Christ's
passion and death, should make it a point with God and his conscience to
partake of this ordinance, if not twelve times, at least four or six times in
the year; and continue thus to show forth the Lord's death till he come.
The accredited minister, the man who was set apart according to the
custom of his community, was the only person who was ever conceived
to have a right to administer this ordinance; as he alone could judge of the
persons who were proper to be admitted. Where private persons have
assumed this important function, they have brought the ordinance of God