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Question 81

For whom is the Lord's supper instituted?

For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins, and yet trust that these are forgiven them for the sake of Christ; and that their remaining infirmities are covered by his passion and death; and who also earnestly desire to have their faith more and more strengthened, and their lives more holy; but hypocrites, and such as turn not to God with sincere hearts, eat and drink judgment to themselves.1

Question 82

Are they also to be admitted to this supper, who, by confession and life, declare themselves unbelieving and ungodly?

No; for by this, the covenant of God would be profaned, and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation;2 therefore it is the duty of the christian church, according to the appointment of Christ and his apostles, to exclude such persons, by the keys of the kingdom of heaven, till they show amendment of life.


1 1 Cor. 10:19-22; 1 Cor. 11:28, 29.

2 1 Cor. 11:20, 34; Isa. 1:11-15; Isa. 66:3; Jer. 7:21-23; Ps. 50:16.

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CCEL
This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library
at Calvin College. Last updated on June 20, 2001.
Contacting the CCEL.
Calvin seal: My heart I offer you O Lord, promptly and sincerely