Lord’s Day 30: Q&A 80-82: Fencing the Table

Among the myriad of arguments, disagreements, and outright fights that have been had and continue to be had over and around the Lord’s Supper, one of the most prominent ones has always been around who may or may not come to the table to partake in the Supper. Do we allow only those who are members of our specific flavor of Christianity? Do we allow only those who have rigorously confessed their sins? Can we allow anyone who says that they’re a Christian? What if they have a different theological belief around the Lord’s Supper than us?

This week’s Lord’s Day outlines at least the basis that we should use for discerning what the answers to these questions look like on a practical level, but we would be remiss if we didn’t take some time to talk about Q&A 80. Q&A 80 harshly condemns the Catholic Mass and its teachings. Or at least what the Catholic Church used to believe. In the late 90’s, a study was commissioned to ask the Catholic Church if what was written in the Catechism still reflected what they actually believe and practice. After finding that the teachings attributed to the Catholic Church in the Catechism are no longer what the Catholic Church teaches, different denominations have seen fit to either remove the parts of Q&A 80 that are no longer relevant or to leave it in and have a caveat statement. It’s pretty fascinating.

Our point in brining this up is that for decades, people who were being taught by the Heidelberg Catechism were being taught an improper view of the Catholic Church. Not to say that we agree with everything that the Catholic Church teaches, but it’s worth considering how, if we do not make sure to know and learn from those we disagree with, we may end up further splintering and fracturing the broader body of the church. In light of that, for Q&A 80, we have a Prayer of Confession around misunderstandings and sowing seeds of division. We hope that we can take the lessons from the history of Q&A 80 to spur us all on to a better understanding not just of our own theological beliefs, but of those whom we disagree with.

Lord’s Day 30

Q&A 80

CONFESSION OF SIN (John 17:21; 1 Corinthians 6:17)

God of Unity,

Christ prayed that we would be one

As you are one, Triune God.

But we are divided.

Rather than cultivating understanding and love

We often have encouraged division and slander.

Whether it is out of fear, confusion, or pride,

We have fallen into the sinful habits of this world.

We have adopted a scarcity mindset 

When you, gracious God, show us 

Your kingdom is one of abundance.

Forgive us God, for misrepresenting our brothers and sisters.

Bring us to greater and greater unity where we can

And give us grace when we disagree.

Remind us that whoever is united with you, God

Is one with you in Spirit.

Amen.

Q&A 81
ASSURANCE OF PARDON

One: We confess our sins to our perfect and blameless God.

All: We confess our sins because we are displeased with ourselves.

One: Our powerful Savior Jesus lovingly offered himself for us.

All: Even in our weakness, we trust in Christ’s sacrifice.

One: Christ’s suffering and death covers us with his righteousness,

All: And this gift strengthened our faith and makes us desire a more faithful life.

Q&A 82
CONFESSION OF SIN (Isaiah 1:11-17)

Righteous God,

We confess we place too much trust in our own works.

Rather than being concerned about justice,

We strive for our own security and prosperity

Instead of learning to do what is right,

We follow what the world teaches is good.

Some days we run through the motions.

Praying to you and even coming to worship

Out of a sense of checking a box

Rather than out of a sincere desire to be with you.

Forgive us Gracious God,

Give us a heart for the fatherless and the widow.

Work in us to bring about fullness in our lives,

That our actions throughout the week

Would match our actions today.

Loving Father, 

Make us whole.

Amen.