“Many Christians today are unfamiliar with the fencing of the table. It’s as foreign to them as church discipline (Matt. 16:18–19; 18:15–18). This is partly because mainline and broad evangelical ministers stopped fencing the table a long time ago. Consequently, some Christians are deeply offended by the practice. What some fail to understand, however, is that admission to the Lord’s Table is a profound spiritual privilege and not an individual right. Sentimental, therapeutic, and superstitious views of the supper insist that everyone be given a seat at the table. But God’s inspired and authoritative Word reveals requirements for participation (1 Cor. 11:17–34). The church has recognized this from its earliest days.”
Jon D. Payne, Fencing the Table
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