The Qualifications Required in Communicants
1 Corinthians 11:28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.


1. Among these may be reckoned faith. Faith presupposes knowledge. "For how shall men believe in Him of whom they have not heard?" It also implies such a firm persuasion of religious and moral obligation as produces obedience in its various branches.

2. But to faith communicants must add humility.

3. Reverence is another requisite in those who approach the holy table. The want of a serious frame of mind on such an occasion would betray an abandoned character and a corrupt heart.

4. Farther, repentance is required in all who show forth Christ's death in the sacrament of His Supper. "What," said one of the most enlightened philosophers of antiquity, "what must the gods think of the gifts of the profane, when a virtuous man would blush to receive presents from a villain?"

5. Farther still, grateful affection to God and our Redeemer is another qualification expected in every communicant.

6. Finally, it is required of them who would partake worthily of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves respecting their love to mankind. If you have any animosities, now dismiss them; exercise mutual forgiveness, and let former quarrels for ever cease.

(T. Laurie, D.D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

WEB: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.




The Duty of Self Examination
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