Q97. What is needed to receive the Lord’s Supper in a worthy way?
Those who want to receive the Lord’s Supper worthily must examine themselves: Do they understand what the Lord’s body means? Do they have faith to trust in him? Have they repented? Do they love others? Are they living in obedience? Otherwise they may eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Corinthians 11:28–29
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
1 Corinthians 11:31
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”
1 Corinthians 10:16–17
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
1 Corinthians 5:7–8
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
1 Corinthians 11:28–29
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What must someone do before receiving the Lord’s Supper?
- 2
Why is self-examination so important before coming to the Lord’s Table?
- 3
What do you think it means to "eat and drink judgment on yourself"?
Illustration
Before a doctor’s appointment, you sometimes have to fill out a form about how you are feeling. The form does not heal you, but it prepares you to receive help. Self-examination before the Lord’s Supper is like that. You look at your own heart honestly so you come to the table ready to receive what Christ offers.
Application
Because God wants you to come to his table prepared, start practicing self-examination now. Before bed tonight, ask yourself three questions: Did I trust Jesus today? Is there sin I need to confess? Is there someone I need to forgive? Talk to God about your answers.