Insights
Christ instituted this important tradition, and anyone who participates without acknowledging the importance of it, sins directly against Christ, scorning His sacrifice. Notice that it isn't the person who is unworthy . . . we're all unworthy of what Christ did for us. It's the MANNER--our attitude-to be concerned about. Paul didn't say that the Corinthians had intentionally acted in this way, but he obviously felt they needed to understand the seriousness of their attitudes and change.
What should they do? They should search their hearts before partaking, letting the Holy Spirit speak to them. What should they seek? The qualifications for salvation . . . love for the Lord, faith, repentance, and obedience. Those who chose not to examine themselves and come to the Communion table without the proper reverence-with a wrong attitude-were open to judgment. This might sound as though God is going to blast anyone who flaunts the ceremony, but that isn't the case. When a Christian participates in Holy Communion with unconfessed sin and lack of repentance, they separate themselves from God's forgiveness that the ceremony symbolizes.
Paul explained to the Corinthians that because of their pride, unrepentance, and disunity in the church, they were suffering not only spiritually but physically. Many of them had died prematurely, the Greek word suggesting that it was a much larger number than would normally have died.
So What?
Before taking part in the Lord's Supper, spend some time in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you search your heart. Think about what Christ has done for you and ask for a deeper faith, a repentant heart, and a stronger love for Him and others. If you take Communion without this, you miss a blessing.
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