Topical Bible: Communion of the Lord's Supper: Self-Examination Commanded Before Partaking of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion, is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with His disciples. It serves as a memorial of Christ's sacrificial death and a proclamation of His return. The practice is deeply rooted in the New Testament and holds significant theological and spiritual importance for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides the most detailed instructions regarding the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. He recounts the words of Jesus during the Last Supper: "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). Similarly, regarding the cup, Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me" (1 Corinthians 11:25). These verses underscore the commemorative and covenantal aspects of the ordinance.

Self-Examination Commanded

A critical component of participating in the Lord's Supper is the call for self-examination. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29: "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself" . This directive serves as a solemn reminder of the need for introspection and spiritual readiness before partaking in the elements.

Purpose of Self-Examination

The purpose of self-examination is multifaceted. It involves a personal reflection on one's relationship with Christ, an acknowledgment of one's sins, and a sincere repentance. This process ensures that participants approach the Lord's Table with reverence, humility, and a clear conscience. It is a time to reaffirm one's faith and commitment to living in accordance with the teachings of Christ.

Consequences of Neglecting Self-Examination

Paul warns of the serious consequences of neglecting self-examination. In 1 Corinthians 11:30, he notes, "That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep" . This indicates that partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner can lead to spiritual and even physical repercussions. The passage serves as a caution against treating the ordinance lightly or with irreverence.

Theological Implications

The command for self-examination before Communion highlights the holiness of the sacrament and the necessity of approaching it with a heart aligned with God's will. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the call for believers to live lives that honor God. The practice of self-examination fosters spiritual growth and maturity, encouraging believers to continually seek God's grace and forgiveness.

Practical Application

In practice, self-examination before Communion may involve prayer, meditation on Scripture, and confession of sins. It is an opportunity for believers to seek reconciliation with God and others, ensuring that they partake in the Lord's Supper in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Church leaders often guide congregations in this process, providing a time of reflection and prayer before the elements are distributed.

The command for self-examination underscores the profound significance of the Lord's Supper as a means of grace and a testament to the believer's faith in the redemptive work of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 11:28,31
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lord's Supper
... holy elements of bread and wine, our communion with Christ ... [2] We rightly partake
when at the Lord's table we ... [3] A right participation of the supper is, when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

"In Remembrance of Me"
... Christ's example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord's Supper. ... To the holy Communion
this scripture in a ... As faith contemplates our Lord's great sacrifice, the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 72 in remembrance of.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... seals that offer by the sacred mystery of the Supper, and when ... Man" is a figurative
expression enjoining us to have communion with our Lord's passion, and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... from his people when they celebrate his communion. ... Moreover, the Lord's Supper reminds
us that we are ... duly prepare ourselves by self-examination in regard to ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... youth for purity of conduct"for communion with heaven"for ... usually took place on the
Lord's-day; and ... or occupy time needed for self-examination and devotion ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... of the Lord Jesus they are commanded and enjoined.' 'To ... should be so shy of holding
communion with those ... ordinances, such as baptism, the Lord's supper, or the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm