Q. 82. Are they also to be admitted to this supper, who, by confession and life, declare themselves infidels and ungodly?

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

Answer. No: for by this the covenant of God would be profaned (Matt. 7;6), and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation (1 Cor. 11;30): therefore it is the duty of the Christian Church, according to the appointment Christ, and his apostles, to exclude such persons by the keys of the kingdom of heaven, until they show amendment of life (1 Cor. 5;11, 13).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] Matt. 7;6.—Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.—1 Cor. 10;21.—Isa. 1;11-13.—Ps. 50;16-17.
• [proof-2] 1 Cor. 11;30.—For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.— Ps. 50;22.
• [proof-3] 1 Cor. 5;11, 13.—But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat. Put away from among yourselves that wicked person.— Matt. 18;15-17.— Titus 3;10.—2 Thess. 3;6, 14, 15.—2 Cor. 2; 6-7.—Matt. 16;19.