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Do Non-Catholic Christians Have Holy Communion?
If you are asking as a Roman Catholic, I can tell you as a Non-denominational Christian Minister, Absolutely Yes.
But I must mention before going on in this article, that I personally do not have anything against the Roman Catholic Church, nor
do I judge their ways, practices or have any hard feelings against their organization, even though their outlook on everyone
else is in a judgmental tone. What I will portray here is a comparison of the Words from the Bible to those of men in power. There
for let God in his most Glorious Existence be the rightful Judge of men and their actions. I will just list my findings below as
well as my comments on those findings so that you can decide for yourself. I will also list how we receive communion based on
Bible teachings.
Brief History:
The institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper is remembered by Roman Catholics
as one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, the First Station of the Scriptural Way of the Cross and by most Christians as
the "inauguration of the New Covenant", mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah, fulfilled at the last supper when Jesus "took bread,
and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, 'Take; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given
thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out
for many.'" Mark 14:22-24 (cf. Matthew 26:26-28 and Luke 22:19-20). Other Christian groups consider the Bread and Wine
remembrance to be a change to the Passover ceremony, as Jesus Christ has become "our Passover, sacrificed for
us" (I Corinthians 5:7), and hold that partaking of the Passover Communion (or fellowship) is now the sign of the New
Covenant, when properly understood by the practicing believer. These meals evolved into more formal worship services
and became codified as the Mass in the Catholic Church, and as the Divine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church; at
these liturgies, Catholics and Eastern Orthodox celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The name "Eucharist" is from
the Greek word εὐχαριστία (eucharistia) which means "thanksgiving". Each major division of Christianity has formed often
different theologies about the exact meaning and purpose of these remembrance ceremonies, but most of them are similar
and are not bound to one sect in who can and cannot receive it.
The Debate:
But in the Bible it is allowed by everyone. From the debate that I've been hearing from Roman Catholics, and their TV
broadcasts recently, Jesus nor the apostles said you have to be titled "Roman Catholic", since the term for a Christian
called "Catholic" which means Universal, did not even exist then, or any other sect title except the term Christian as
explained in Acts. Also the fact that our Lord Jesus himself was Jewish and not a Roman citizen which was killed in the end by the hand of Rome
will get you to wonder who is really behind the Papacy curtain. If they would read their Bibles they would see the true word of God,
that God gives no special favoritism to one group of people over another as mentioned in Acts 10:34-43, "In truth I perceive that God
shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." So where does these other non-biblical
idea's of the Roman Papacy come from? if not by the exact
words shown here in the Bible? The teachings in the Bible declairs you must be with christ in heart 100%, in order to receive communion,
wither your with a group or in your own house communing with God yourself, and to also understand why you are receiving communion.
In the New King James Bible, Acts 2:42 says, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers." and Acts 2:46 declares, "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart blessed."
So if everyone at that time broke bread in their own houses, why does the Roman Catholic Leadership today insist they are the only ones
who has right to give or receive holy communion? This is something I recently heard from a Roman Catholic Priest and his Guests on EWTN and was a little
taken back by the words he and his guest used to dismiss the Orthodox faith, Protestant faith, as well as other Non Roman Catholic Christian sects that does not agree to their Code
of Canon Law, which is a law written by men in power, not God. I really did not know how much hatred & prejudice they really felt to Non Roman
Catholics till I seen this live TV broadcast and even visited their site and found this
article: (See Communion of Non-Catholic or Intercommunion).
Also in my research I found other catholic sites with topics of prejudice against Non Roman Catholics as well including this site: (Visit Debate) (Also Major Misguidedness!).
But when I saw and read this, it reminded me of the words Jesus said in Mark 12:38, "And he said unto them in his doctrine,
Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues,
and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation."
Jesus also told the Pharisees in Matthew 22:39, "And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Then I remembered what Paul himself said in Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you
judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."
So why would the Roman Catholic Church pass Judgement on anyone else for how they worship our Lord? This will get you to think why?
Separation:
It really is sad that there is a need for separation based on political gain when we are all worshiping the same God, or are we?.
But by doing this and spreading prejudice against anyone Non Roman Catholic is going against God, The Bible, The Word, and making
them very arrogant like the Pharisees in the eyes of God. Because the Bible says otherwise. They are linking communion with a Sect Title
rather then the faith of Christ himself and the word of the Bible. I can somewhat understand if they just don't want to share
communion with outside church group members or other Christian Sects, based on a political power play, even though this is a sad thing.
But to insist they and no one else has the right to receive communion except the Roman Catholics as I heard from a recent EWTN broadcast
the other day is a blasphemous assumption and portrays them 100% as the beast in Daniel 7:8, "I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the
first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words." Specially since they keep saying your not
in communion with the Roman Catholic Church (Papacy) instead of Communion with Christ himself.
Blasphemous Words:
Here are a few references showing the Roman Papacy acting as the beast which is written in the Bible and rewriting the Word of God in order to be in control and to be worshipped as God himself:
- La Civilia Cattolica, March 18, 1871, quoted in Leonard Woosely Bacaon, An inside view of the Vatican Council (American Tract Society ed.), p.229: "The pope is the supreme judge of the law of the land... He is the vicegerent (replacement) of Christ, who is not only a Priest forever, but also King of kings and Lord of lords."
- Pope Leo XIII. Encyclical Letter Sapientia Christiana, Jan 10 1890: "Union of minds, therefore, requires, together with a perfect accord in the one faith, complete submission and obedience of will to the Church and to the Roman Pontiff, as to God Himself"
- Pope Leo XIII. Apostolic Exhortation Praeclara Gratulationis Publicae, June 20, 1894: "We [the pope] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty."
- Pope Leo XIII. Allocution for the 25th anniversary of his election, February 20, 1903; Papal Teachings: The Church, Benedictine Monks of Solesmes, St. Paul Editions, Boston, 1962, page 653). : "This is our last lesson to you: receive it, engrave it in your minds, all of you: by God's commandment salvation is to be found nowhere but in the Church; the strong and effective instrument of salvation is none other than the Roman Pontificate."
- To See More Blasphemous Words From The Popes, Visit This Site For Full Reference...
Father Thomas Doyle, the canon lawyer featured in 'Deliver us from evil' even states he was a Roman Catholic Priest for 35 years
and was fired by the Vatican for advocating with the children of clergy abuse and exposing the organization for what it is, and that the Roman Catholics are and I'm quoting "changing
Gods Laws like the Communion and other religious teachings for political power and control. If you do not vote as they say, or do as they say, you can
not receive communion and grace from God." This is Evil at its worst, and just proves the Bible more right that Rome is the little horn in
Daniel 7:8 and the beast in Revelations. To read more about Father Thomas Doyle, Click Here.
But the true church "The People" which is declared in 1 Corinthians 3:16, as a faith in Christ are falling away from the Truth of the Bible and alienating many of Gods people based on
a political power game by a human leader who sits on an earthly throne who claims he is the "Vicar of Christ"
on earth, and says what can and cannot be done based on his organization, while ignoring that the Holy Spirit is the true Vicar of Christ
which is also declared in 1 Corinthians 2:11-13, "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the
things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we
might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the
Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
But everyone fails to realize that God is the only Power and his word is the only word to follow, not man's traditions or man's word. Mans word
is not above Gods word in the Bible, period! No matter how powerful your organization is in the eyes of man. Instead,
they should be reading and accepting the Holy Bible and its Word of Truth that everyone has the right to receive it, not
a building or christian group with a fancy title. "Everyone is the Church, Not A Building!" See: 2 Corinthians 6:16, 2 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:19-22,
1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 5:30-32. So everyone has the right to commune with our Lord as the Bible states. This is not
a special members only club or special organizational event. There should be unity in this matter, not separation, since it is based on
communion with God to fill our spirits with life, truth, grace, and the Holy Spirit. The only other thing on this world that would
want us to believe in such nonsense, and to prevent us from glorifying God personally, is the Devil himself, which already has
his little grubby, filthy hands in many of the world nations leading them in blindness to their downfall.
Why would anyone turn people away or alienate other christian sects from communing with God, Unless it was not of
God or Gods word. This will get you to ponder this question and what the motives are behind its true meaning (See Videos Below). But in reality
whether people of all religious sect's like to admit it or not, is that everyone who is in Christ, are indeed Gods children, "One Mind, One Faith",
Philippians 2:2. None of Gods children needs a special mark from someone claiming to be the same as Christ on earth, or based on religious titles, or stamp of approval
by any human organization other then God in order to commune with God, be with God in spirit, love God, receive Gods grace, or to
receive the Holy Spirit. We the people are the church and this is the will of God, and God alone, not man. To even think of rewriting the word of
God to fit any type of earthly power play game and to put a man above the word of God is plain blasphemy at its worst, and as the
Bible states those who do this will receive greater damnation. So let us all pray for them that they turn from their wickedness and be converted to
the light and truth of God and his love.
It is very sad to see today's congregations having such separation and misunderstanding from Christs most simpilist words, "Eat & Drink in remembrance of me".
For Jesus says in John 4:24, "God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.", It is the
same with Baptism, we do it to honor our Lord & Heavenly Father to show obedience to his word and confirming we are shedding
the Sins of this world and put to death the old man "Old Life" of this world and put on a new body for Christ. It is a
confirmation that we accept and agree Jesus is the Son of God our Lord and Saviour. It is the Lords symbol of
the covenant between Him and Us. I understand that men's tradition always gets in the way of the True Word of God,
but to tell everyone else that communion is reserved for them only is not a good thing when inserting traditions
over the Bibles own words.
But Communion is really an excellent experience. When I eat it, I am confirming Jesus died and I am 100% agreeing with
him that I have accepted his death as payment for my sins and that the blood that cleanses me from sin
isn't from sheep, bulls, or goats like the Old Testament, but Christ's. I take this wine into my most
inner parts to confirm that my sins are completely forgiven in a new Covenant/Contract between Jesus
and the Heavenly Father for me. He died for me and I "eat" that for spiritual life every time I consume it.
Now you may be asking Wine or Grape Juice?
Grape juice is dead; wine is alive. Grape juice is altogether void of any of the sense of exuberant joy in celebration
which we have come to associate with wine. Christians have used real wine in worship, among other reasons, for its
associations with joy and festivity and celebration. It is significant, further, that real wine be used, and not grape
juice, or Gatorade, for example. The use of grape juice at Holy Communion in lieu of wine is a product of Victorian
prudishness, and of the Nineteenth Century American temperance movement. But again Wine is "alive," in a sense that
pasteurized grape juice simply cannot be.
What is the usual ritual one does to receive communion or fellowship with the lord?
Well, many different sects do different rituals based on their traditions. This is also mentioned in some of
Paul's letters. To start this right lets look at the early christians, the new church so to speak. There were not many
buildings like we have today to house the church "The People" in the early days, so many broke bread from house to house
as stated in Acts 2:46. I'm sure everyone at that time had their own saying before breaking of bread and drinking of wine
in fellowship to Christ's teachings and doctrines. But if they were following the teachings of the apostles they would of
repeated such things like:
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was
betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you;
do this in remembrance of Me. In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in
My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23)
Today ministers will say something like:
We now invite you to come to this table, not because you must, but because you may. Come to testify not that you are perfect
but that you sincerely love our Lord Jesus Christ and desire to be his true disciple. Come, not because you are strong, but
because you are weak; not because you have any claim on heaven's rewards, but because in your frailty you stand in constant
need of heaven's mercy and help. Now that the supper of the Lord is spread before you, lift up your minds and hearts above all
selfish fears and cares. Let this bread and this cup be to you the witness of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love
of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
(A statement will be made reminding the participants of the necessity of being in a right relationship with Christ)
Words of Institution for the Bread
The night when Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. We follow his example. Let us pray.
Prayer of Blessing on the Bread (in the ministers own words)
The Ritual:
Minister: Friends, is not this bread the communion of the body of Christ?
People: This bread is the communion of the body of Christ.
Passing the Bread
Minister: Take and eat this bread, remembering that he was born to be our Savior;
he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities. Feed on him
in your heart and be thankful.
Words of Institution for the Cup
The night when Jesus was betrayed, he also took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples.
We do likewise. Let us Pray.
Prayer of Blessing on the Cup (in the ministers own words)
The Ritual:
Minister: Friends, is not this cup the communion of the blood of Christ?
People: This cup is the communion of the blood of Christ.
Passing the Cup
Minister: Take this cup, remembering that he said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured
out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Drink it together and be thankful.
This is the basics of Communion or Fellowship with Christ. Its that simple.
Final Thoughts:
So I say to everyone who is saved, and has christ 100% in their hearts, to commune with Jesus and the
Heavenly Father on a daily basis to remember Jesus' life and trials and as he gave everyone permission by saying
in the Bible with the most simplest of words "do this in remembrance of me". You will find by receiving communion
your life will be filled with the love and grace of our Lord. However I must say, do not listen to men who say they
speak for God if they speak opposite of the Bibles own word. Praise Jesus for great simplicity in his word. So follow
the words in the Bible and what God himself has also written on your hearts. Just remember that the times we live in now
is about 11:40 pm, and the seconds are counting down to midnight when our time is up and Jesus' Second Coming will
come to save all his people (The True Church). Stand firm and strong and let no man deceive you in your relationship
with God.
To help a little more with the understanding why there is a major diversion from truth, watch these two videos
I have found from Amazing Facts. They are detailed sermons which explain in more details of the deceptions going
on today:
The Bride of Anti-Christ, Pt.1 (5/31/2009)
The Bride of Anti-Christ, Pt.2 (6/1/2009)
God Bless Everyone... Hope this helps your understanding a bit more about the Lords Love
and Grace to all people whom accepts Christ.
Minister Thomas J. Allen
Posted: July 31, 2009
Updated: Aug 11, 2009
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