Self-Examination Before the Lord's Table

Paul commands: "Let a man examine himself" (1 Corinthians 11:28). This is not peculiar to Christianity—the ancient Greeks inscribed "Know thyself" on their noblest public buildings. Yet Christian self-examination carries unique gravity.

When approaching the Lord's Supper, believers must ask penetrating questions as soldiers report to headquarters. First: Have I enlisted? Am I truly committed to Christ's kingdom? Second: Do I possess a soldier's qualities? Is my obedience unselfish, unquestioning, prompt, entire, and cheerful? Wesley declared that three hundred reliable Christians could shake hell's gates. Third: Have I conquered myself? Do I display the fruits of the Spirit—evidence of internal victory? Fourth: What do I seek at this table? Not spiritual indulgence, but strength to continue faithful to the end.

This self-knowledge lies at the root of all true wisdom and is the groundwork of religion. Until we know our sin, we shall not seek forgiveness. Until we know our weakness, we shall not crave strength. God does not judge us here—He provides means and tests. Our own consciences become our judges, for God examines our hearts perfectly. A man's earthly affairs would spiral into ruin without such vigilance; how much more our spiritual state? Self-examination before communion protects us from sin, grants confidence before Elohim, and frees us from condemnation.