Another point I meant to bring out is looking closer at the denominations that practice closed communion. First, the RCC and the C of C practice closed communion. They also believe baptism is a part of the salvation process. That is exactly the opposite of what Baptists believe about baptism and its purpose. The fact that these two semi-Christian groups practice closed, should make Baptists run to open. In other denominations, the pattern is undeniable. Baptism that effects salvation is linked with closed communion.
Conservative Lutherans (if there is such a thing) practice closed communion, and the practice can be traced back to the RCC, with differences in doctrine.
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Seventh-day Adventist Church, Exclusive Brethren, the Apostolic Christian Church, the Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, Amish, some Anglicans, the Church of God in Christ, the Church of God of Prophecy, and some other churches in the Reformed tradition such as Calvinists also practice closed communion. Jehovah's Witnesses hold that only the 144,000 should receive communion. Christadelphians also practice closed communion as they restrict communion to only baptized members. Even Oneness Pentecostals practice closed communion as they restrict communion to only believers.
We know from interaction with SDA's on this board alone, are a cult, being nice about it. They practice closed communion. The two most famous cults of all, JWs and LDS, also practice closed communion.
Modern day belief within the Lutheran church is confusing about the subject. Here is a paragraph from their doctrine.
The LCMS does not believe that baptism is ABSOLUTELY necessary for salvation. The thief on the cross was saved (apparently without baptism), as were all true believers in the Old Testament era. Mark 16:16 implies that it is not the absence of baptism that condemns a person but the absence of faith, and there are clearly other ways of coming to faith by the power or the Holy Spirit (reading or hearing the Word of God). Still, baptism dare not be despised or willfully neglected, since it is explicitly commanded by God and has his precious promises attached to it. It is not a mere "ritual" or "symbol," but a powerful means of grace by which God grants faith and the forgiveness of sins.
The fact that the paragraph puts the thief on the cross with the OT saints, implies some do believe salvation is linked to baptism.
The fact that the SDAs, JWs and LDS believe salvation is necessary for salvation is meaningless since they are cults. However the pattern remains: Most churches that practice closed communion believe baptism is necessary for salvation.
