So, if the Scripture is clear and the standards are clear, why are we even having these debates? The only reason is because many people in our denomination (a majority, if a recent poll is accurate) want us to be more tolerant and accepting of divergent views than our standards would permit.

I have been thinking about the two communion debates in the PCA: paedocommunion and intinction. I see them both as symptomatic of a deeper problem. For those unfamiliar with the debates or with these terms, I’ll clarify:

Paedocommunion: The practice of giving communion to very young children, as young as 6-8 months old, well before they evidence saving faith or can pass the test of 1 Cor. 11:27-32 of being able to examine oneself and discern the body.

Intinction: The practice of dipping the bread in the wine/juice and eating it wet, rather than eating the bread and then drinking the cup.

The key Scriptural text for the traditional practice of communion, which is opposed to both of these practices, is 1 Cor. 11:23-32. This passage, which is the only significant teaching on the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament, clearly describes two different actions, “eat the bread and drink the cup.” The passage also clearly calls on those who partake to “examine himself,” saying further, “anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

The constitutional standards of the PCA, the Westminster Confession of Faith with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms and the Book of Church Order, are as clear as 1 Cor. 11.

So, if the Scripture is clear and the standards are clear, why are we even having these debates?

The only reason is because many people in our denomination (a majority, if a recent byFaith poll is accurate) want us to be more tolerant and accepting of divergent views than our standards would permit. They would have us believe that the practice of the Lord’s Supper does not belong to the “vitals” of our faith and practice. They would place such matters in the adiaphora (“indifferent things”) about which we are flexible and unconcerned.

I hear their argument and I go back to 1 Cor. 11 and re-read Paul’s language:

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” (vv. 27-29).

Again, I conclude that Scripture is clear, which is why our standards are clear. Scripture consistently describes and even commands two actions – eat the bread and drink the cup – and Paul strongly requires all who eat and drink to examine themselves.

I wonder if we asked Paul, “Do you think we really need to eat and drink? How about if we just eat soggy bread? Isn’t that the same thing? And what if very young children who can’t possibly examine themselves want a bit of bread and a cup of juice? Does that really matter?” What do you think he would say?

I think he would say, “Did you read what I wrote? Could I have been any clearer?”

If we will not follow the Word of God and the standards of our denomination on this issue, then why have standards? Those who wish to constantly test and push the boundaries (creation/evolution, deaconesses, federal vision, paedocommunion, intinction) are the ones who are bring divisive and tearing our denomination apart. They insist on novel theologies and innovative approaches to doctrine and practice, rather than remaining faithful to the Scripture and the standards.

A leader in the “big tent” camp of the PCA, when pushing the strategic plan, labeled those of us who consistently oppose such divisive deviations the “hold fast” crowd. I like this label. It’s an honor to bear it:

• “hold fast to the word I preached to you” – 1 Cor 15:2
• “children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life . . .” – Phil. 2:16-17
• “test everything; hold fast what is good” – 1 Thess. 5:21
• “we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope” – Hebrews 3:6
• “let us hold fast our confession” – Hebrews 4:14
• “Only hold fast what you have until I come.” – Jesus in Rev. 2:25

If what we’re holding onto is the truth of God’s word and the reliable interpretation of that word which has stood for centuries, then I am glad to hold fast!

Jason A. Van Bemmel is a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and is Pastor of Faith PCA in Cheraw, S.C. This article appeared on his blog Ponderings of a Pilgrim Pastor and is used with permission.