I am certainly not opposed to regular commemoration of the sacrament but nothing, in my view, matches the solemnity and edifying nature of our Scottish Communion Seasons. The great and godly John Calvin recommended weekly Communion although never saw it implemented in any Genevan church, but then Knox and Melville both spent a considerable time in Geneva and did not seek to impose weekly Communion on the church in Scotland! Why not? Were these men unable to see what others can see so clearly in scripture? Did they lack our wisdom? Or were they merely pragmatists? The reality is these men and the Communion practice that developed in Scotland were greatly blessed by the Lord. Not only did Scottish practice ensure, contrary to what many think today, regular Communion because believers travelled to one another’s Communions but it thereby consequently helped to demonstrate in a tangible manner the catholicity of the church and the communion of saints. I am also mindful of the revivals resultant on Communion Seasons here in Scotland. Hence two particular stand out: Livingston’s preaching at Shotts on the Monday of the Communion Season in the 1630s and the famous Cambuslang Revival of 1742. Here on the West Coast until around a generation or two back the churches could not hold the numbers of believers coming to Communion Seasons and so the celebration often had to take place outdoors. From those old enough to remember them they were wonderful occasions – the high days in the church calendar! Here on Skye and Harris even the schools and places of work closed so that people could spend the time in spiritual fellowship and preparing themselves to meet with Christ in the sacrament. Oh for a return to such days! Now, that said, I am thankful for the liberty given to the church in this matter in our subordinate standards. The WCF does not stipulate how often we are to do this in remembrance of Him. And it would be wrong to bind the consciences of brothers by making it an absolute rule that we must have weekly communion which would be divisive and contrary to our Reformed heritage. The WCF does not require alteration rather it necessitates that we demonstrate a degree of charity and discretion in this matter by allowing kirk sessions and presbyteries the liberty to determine how often congregations should keep the sacrament.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 12:15:30 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015