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OR I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:23-27)
We have before us a very grave and frank warning of God concerning the manner and attitude in which we receive Holy Communion. Perhaps the best example of the penalty for one who did so in the New Testament was Judas, the traitor. 19 ¶And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 21 ¶But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! (Luke 19-22) Our Lord tells us that He chose the twelve Apostles, and that one of them was a devil. That one was Judas who went out from the supper, after the devil had entered into him, and into a dark night that never ended for him.
Why is the Lord’s Supper of such importance in the eyes of the Lord? I believe it is because we are all of faith members of the family of God, and a family eats together. Moreover, by partaking of the elements of Bread and Wine, we acknowledge His death, burial and resurrection. It is also true that the Lord looked forward, with great anticipation, to the Communion of the Lord’s Supper with the Apostles for it was the Passover of the Lord. Why would He be less eager to have us join around His Table for the Holy Communion Service that we are commanded to observe? With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: The Lord is with us always, but in a far greater Spiritual Presence during the Communion when His family is gathered about His Table and are joined in One Mind with Him. Remember, the men on the road to Emmaus did not recognize the Lord until He had broken the bread and offered it to them.
How should a believer prepare himself before the Lord’s Supper? 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. (1 Corinthians 11;28-29)
Certainly, though not directly addressed, the counsel of the Lord in Matthew also applies to all our worship including the Lord’s Supper: 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
In every service of the Holy Communion (Lord’s Supper), we hear these words recited by the minister: Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling ~ 1928 Book of Common Prayer pp 75. Additionally, we pray the General Confession at every Communion Service. This follows the above charge by the minister and precedes the seasonal prayers for the calendar year and are found on page 75 as well.
In conclusion, it is incumbent upon every believer to come to the Lord’s Table as a humble penitent and with reverence and true faith.
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