The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the
Lord’s Supper?
A. It is required of them that would worthily partake
of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine
themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body,[1] of their faith to feed upon Him,[2]
of their repentance,[3] love,[4] and new obedience;[5] lest, coming unworthily,
they eat and drink judgment to themselves.[6]
[1] 1 Corinthians 11:28–29; [2] 2 Corinthians 13:5; [3] 1 Corinthians 11:31;
[4] 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; [5] 1
Corinthians 5:7–8; [6] 1 Corinthians
11:28–29.
This question arises particularly because the Apostle Paul explicitly refers to the fact that anyone, partaking of the Lord’s Supper unworthily, eats and drinks damnation or judgment to himself (1 Cor 11:29). For this reason, Paul urges us to examine ourselves before coming to the table (1 Cor 11:28). To worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper therefore refers to partaking with due preparation, by personal examination, and with suitable behaviour at the table so that through the effectual operation of the Holy Spirit, the Supper may be beneficial rather than detrimental to us.
What should we examine ourselves about in preparation to coming to the table?
Paul does not indicate explicitly, but it can be deduced from the nature and
significance of the Supper. Our catechism lists six important areas which we
must consider.
First, we must examine ourselves regarding our knowledge to discern the Lord’s
body, which is represented by the bread. This would imply having a proper
understanding of the significance of the Supper. We must not revere the
elements because they are in no way transformed into the actual flesh and blood
of Christ. Yet, it will not do for us to come with the attitude that it is
purely memorial, for there is a sacramental union between the consecrated
elements and the body and blood of Christ, so that partaking the Supper
unworthily incurs God’s wrath.
Secondly, we must examine ourselves as to whether we are truly in the faith (2
Cor 13:5), for otherwise we cannot have faith to apply Christ and feed upon
Him, and so to draw virtue and spiritual nourishment from Him.
Thirdly, we must examine ourselves as to whether our repentance from sin is
real. This is implied when Paul says: “For if we would judge ourselves, we
should not be judged” (1 Cor 11:31). As Christ died for our sins, and to rescue
us from sin, it would be hypocritical for us to come to the table commemorating
His death with particular sins unrepented of.
Fourthly, we must examine ourselves as to whether we truly love Christ, that we
may come to the table with gratitude and thanksgiving.
And finally, we must examine ourselves whether we do desire new and sincere
obedience to the Gospel. Paul says: “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 Cor 5:7–8). Because of the reference to the passover
and the bread, it is very likely that the feast which Paul mentions refers
primarily to the Lord’s Supper though it may have a wider (metaphorical)
reference to the Christian life. It is more than likely that when he forbids us
to eat with a professing brother involved in scandalous sin (1 Cor 5:11), he
was referring particularly to the Lord’s Supper.