Marie,

In a church which is administered by a plurality of elders it's the their responsibility to guard the Table. In the worship service the pastor should declare a warning for those who would be doing so in an unworthy manner. The elders and the pastor can only restrain those from participating who they know are living without assurance of their salvation and in an unrepentant lifestyle. Paul also tells us to examine and judge ourselves. He places this responsibility on each individual. If we do not partake of the sacramental symbol of the Lord's death worthily, we share in the guilt of that death.

Men may partake in an unworthy manner, but when they do, the curse of the Lord comes on them, and the Table is not profaned, but kept pure by the Lord. It is, after all, His Table. Worthily does not mean we have to be righteous in ourselves but rather that we are living in true saving faith and are truly sorry for our sin.

In the Corinthian passage you quoted, Paul ‘fences’ the Table of the Lord. And how do we do that when we celebrate the Lord’s death through the Supper? Just like Paul did, you tell them! You declare the parameters of participation—believers only who have been forgiven—you warn them not to partake if they don’t qualify—and you command them in the name of the Lord to examine themselves by his word and Spirit.

On a More Adequate Fencing of the Lord's Table

Fencing the Lord's Table


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts