Fencing the Table

"All Christians who are baptized and not under church discipline are warmly welcome to our Lord’s Table."

As you just heard, when we come to this Table each week, the minister gives a brief word regarding who is invited to participate. 

This sentence is an abbreviated summary of what you can read at the bottom of your bulletins regarding our celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and this practice is commonly known as “fencing the Table” – meaning that it is the responsibility of the ministers and elders of the church to oversee the right administration of this sacrament. For as the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” And so he calls us to examine ourselves before partaking, so that this covenantal meal would be one of blessing rather than cursing. 

Now it’s important to note that this practice is not to be understood as a simple act of exclusion. Yes, we want to honor the Lord and observe His ordinances rightly. But this fencing of the Table is actually an invitation to everyone in this room to participate. We are proclaiming the way to the Table. 

Yes there is a fence, but this fence has a gate, a way in, and it’s the Lord Jesus Christ. He bids all people to come to Him, to be cleansed in the waters of baptism, to receive the forgiveness of sins, and to dine with Him at His table. 

So, have you been baptized? Have you confessed Christ as Lord? Are you endeavoring to walk in His ways, empowered by His Spirit? Then come. 

If not, what are you waiting for? You are far from God but He has come near to you in the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus.

And so the invitation really is for all – Come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.