Question:  Dear Greg,

            Is it OK for not-yet-baptized believers to participate in the communion?  They might be waiting for the baptism to be held and assume they understand the truth behind it.

            Thank you,

            Soong En

Answer:  Dear Soong En,

            This is a question that is answered differently, depending upon the denomination one attends.  Some churches believe that communicants may not take of the Eucharist, communion, or Lord’s Supper unless they believe that the elements/the hosts (bread and wine or juice) are the literal body of the Lord, or that they become the literal body of the Lord upon consumption.  If the Christian in attendance at such churches does not believe accordingly, he is not invited to take communion.

            Other churches believe the bread and wine/juice are symbols of the body and blood of Christ, and that all who accept Christ who are in attendance, in spite of denominational affiliation, are welcome at the Lord’s table.

            Regardless of the view taken, the majority of churches believe that those who take communion should do so only if they have accepted Christ.  Whether that acceptance has been outwardly demonstrated by some act (like baptism) once again differs from denomination to denomination.

            The Bible teaches that the person who takes communion should have already made a commitment to Christ, and that the communion should not be taken lightly.

            Hope this helps with your question.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht