In past columns, we’ve discussed the fact that God’s people assembled for worship are a piece of heaven. As a worshiping assembly, we are a holy temple in the Lord (Eph. 2:21). In corporate worship God blesses us with His covenantal presence (2 Cor. 6:16). We enter His presence with thanksgiving (Ps. 95:2). We realize we are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). We form an embassy of heaven (2 Cor. 5:20).

God strictly governs entrance into heaven. Christ is the only way (John 14:6). Naming any other name is unacceptable (Acts 4:12). This way is narrow (Matt. 7:14). The only acceptable way to enter worship and give praise to God is through Christ (Heb. 13:15).

My argument is simple: God regulates entrance into heaven. Public worship is an entrance into heaven. God therefore regulates our worship. The fellowship of the Lord’s supper provides a good example.

We rightly celebrate the Lord’s supper as part of our worship. It is a sacrament. We also call this sacrament* commununion*. In it we recognize our union and communion with Christ. In Redemption Accomplished and Applied, the late Professor John Murray indicates union and communion with Christ is our highest privilege. So it is. We are part of His body (1 Cor. 12:27). “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10:16). From this perspective, participation in the Lord’s supper is the highest privilege we have as members of the visible church.

Who is eligible to partake of the Lord’s supper? Many argue that it is up to the individual. The church should provide the sacrament and open the table to all those who judge themselves fit to participate in it. Their argument says, it’s up to the individual; it’s not the decision of the church. There is a better and more biblical way. God makes the determination.

From the perspective of worship, this makes good sense. When we come to worship, we enter God’s courts. We enter His sanctuary. We do so as He prescribes. We enter the most holy place and partake of the things from another world. God is present. We sit at the (communion) table of Christ. This too is a reflection of heaven. Remember the words of Jesus when He celebrated that last Passover with His disciples?

He said to them, “l have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes” (Luke 22:15-18).

Jesus Christ is looking forward to sitting down at His table to eat and drink with His disciples in His kingdom. His body—the church—will be complete in membership and unity. We also look forward to this. We celebrate this expected consummate union and communion with Christ in the Lord’s supper.

The tie of the Lord’s supper with worship and heaven is plain. We therefore affirm access to the Lord’s supper is not by individual determination. God regulates admittance to heaven. God governs worship. Christ supervises His table. It is incumbent upon individuals and churches to follow the simple rule of Christ in these matters. In doing so, we must remember, “Love does not demand its own way” (1 Cor. 13:5).