Eating and Drinking Unworthily: Discerning the Lord's Body

The Apostle Paul warns against approaching the Lord's Table without proper understanding and repentance. To eat and drink unworthily means partaking of the sacramental bread and wine contrary to Christ's institution, not discerning the Lord's body in the ordinance.

Unworthy receivers fall into three categories. First, the ignorant: those who do not know the fundamentals of faith—God the Father (John 17:3), God the Son (His incarnation, suffering, work, and benefits to us), and the Holy Ghost. Second, those unaware of their own spiritual condition. Third, those ignorant of the sacrament itself: that under the outward signs of bread and wine, Christ with all benefits of His death and passion is represented, sealed, and conveyed to the worthy receiver.

The impenitent are equally unworthy. True repentance requires two movements: heartfelt, sincere, universal, and constant sorrow for sins committed; and a determined turning from sin with full purpose of heart, in obedience to God, from all sin, toward a right end.

The consequences are grave but merciful. Unworthy participation brings not necessarily eternal damnation but condemnation—temporal chastisement designed to refine the believer. Therefore, examine your heart, thoughts, and affections; examine your life, words, and actions. Come to the Table only when you have discerned the Lord's body and prepared yourself through genuine repentance and faith.