What does the Bible say about open vs. closed communion?

Definition of Communion

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a practice in which believers share bread and wine (or their equivalents) to remember the sacrificial death of Jesus and celebrate His resurrection. It is grounded in Jesus’ instruction to His disciples at the Last Supper (see Matthew 26:26–28). Believers partake in faith, remembering the redemptive work of Christ and proclaiming His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).

“Open” vs. “Closed” Communion Explained

Churches generally fall into two primary categories regarding who is invited to partake: open communion and closed communion.

1. Open Communion: In this approach, any individual who confesses faith in Christ as Savior is welcome to partake. These churches emphasize the universal nature of the Body of Christ, encouraging all true believers to join in communion, regardless of denominational affiliation or formal church membership status.

2. Closed Communion: In this approach, churches limit participation to members in good standing of that local congregation or those of a specific denomination, often requiring agreement with certain doctrines or a personal interview with leadership before participating. The intention is to safeguard the ordinance from misuse or from those who have not confirmed belief in the essentials of the faith.

Both approaches center on the same foundational truths:

• The bread and cup represent Christ’s body and blood.

• Only genuine believers should participate.

Biblical Foundations for Communion Participation

Scripture gives significant instruction on the reverence and self-examination that should accompany the Lord’s Supper. While it does not use the exact terms “open” or “closed,” the principles within the New Testament guide churches in their practice.

1. The Body of Believers

1 Corinthians 10:16–17 connects communion with the unity of the Church:

“Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.”

This passage emphasizes that those who partake are acknowledging membership in the Body of Christ. Some churches interpret this to mean that all who genuinely believe in Christ should be welcomed (open communion). Others believe that since communion signifies unity, it should be restricted to those who formally share the same confession of faith (closed communion).

2. Self-Examination and Worthiness

1 Corinthians 11:27–29 underscores the necessity of approaching the Lord’s Supper with reverence and genuine faith:

“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

The self-examination principle leads some congregations to an open communion stance, reasoning that each participant, guided by his or her conscience before God, must judge their own heart. Meanwhile, others argue that church leaders should play a role in protecting the sacrament, thereby maintaining a more closed practice to ensure only those properly instructed share in communion.

3. Unity and Church Discipline

Practices like church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17) reflect that Christian fellowship involves both acceptance and accountability. This concept is sometimes cited for a closed communion model, where the local church membership has examined (and can attest to) the faith and moral standing of its members. Supporters of open communion affirm the role of discipline within congregations but maintain that the table is offered to all who genuinely believe, under the accountability of God and, if needed, local leadership.

Historical and Denominational Perspectives

From the early centuries of church history, there has been a tension between maintaining the reverence of communion and recognizing the unity of all believers in Christ. The Didache, an early Christian document, hints at the importance of baptism and repentance before participation. Over time, certain traditions (e.g., some Baptist, Lutheran, or Reformed groups) have embraced forms of closed or “close” communion. Others (e.g., many nondenominational congregations) open it to all professing believers.

Practical Considerations for Churches

1. Teaching and Clarity

Regardless of the approach, churches often include a clear explanation before serving communion, urging participants to examine their hearts and encouraging any who are not believers to refrain. This teaching moment fosters reverence for the ordinance.

2. Church Membership and Confession of Faith

Some churches incorporate an interview or membership class before allowing communion, thereby ensuring new participants understand foundational Christian tenets. Others trust each individual’s personal testimony of faith when observing an open table.

3. Safeguarding Against Misuse

Scripture warns against a flippant or unrepentant attitude. Churches that practice closed communion see restricting participation as a guard against taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. Open communion churches lean on the individual’s conscience and Scriptural warnings.

Relevant Scriptural Passages

• Matthew 26:26–29 – Institution of the Lord’s Supper.

• Mark 14:22–25 – Parallel account of the Last Supper.

• Luke 22:14–20 – Additional Last Supper details.

• John 6:53–58 – Jesus’ teaching on His flesh and blood as life.

• 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 – The unity of the Body of Christ in communion.

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–34 – Paul’s teaching on the reverent practice of the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion

Scripture holds communion in a place of deep significance, urging believers to remember Christ’s sacrifice, celebrate their unity, and approach the table with a pure heart. The Bible does not prescribe explicit details on enforcing a closed or open communion practice. Rather, it consistently teaches the necessity of faith, reverence, and self-examination.

When deciding between open or closed communion, churches weigh these biblical principles, their theological convictions, and a desire to honor the holiness of the ordinance. In charitable dialogue, believers can recognize that both perspectives seek to adhere faithfully to Scripture. The unifying intent is to remember the Lord’s death and resurrection with reverence, examining our hearts before the God who invites us into communion through Christ.