Jumpstarter 6 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 6

In Justin Martyr’s description, the Eucharist is restricted to those who (1) believe the teaching, (2) have been baptized, and (3) are “living as Christ has commanded”; how does that three-part boundary confront common evangelical instincts about open communion, assurance, and the relationship between grace and obedience?

Another way to ask: If Justin Martyr says only believers who are baptized and living as Jesus taught should take the Eucharist, how does that challenge common ideas about open communion, assurance, and grace versus obedience?

Direct Answer The transcript shows that early Christians treated communion as guarded fellowship for baptized believers whose lives matched Christ’s commands, which challenges “open” approaches that separate participation from baptism and from visible obedience.

Support from Transcript:

Justin Martyr: “No one is allowed to partake of it but the one who believes… and who has been washed with the washing… and who is living as Christ has commanded.”
Bercot explains “washed with the washing” as “baptism… the new birth,” meaning participation assumed conversion and initiation.
He emphasizes ethical expectation: “you had to also be living an upright life.”
He adds a concrete boundary: “Someone under church discipline was not allowed to partake of communion.”
The Didache agrees: “Let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, but those who have been baptized… ‘Do not give that which is holy to the dogs.’”

Discussion Follow-ups How does your church connect communion with baptism and discipleship? If communion is “holy,” what responsibilities fall on leaders and members to guard it without turning it into self-righteousness?

Jumpstarter 6 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 6 of 10