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Joe k said:
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Wes said:
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John_C said:

Is it proper in giving the invitation when fencing the table for the Pastor to give the warning of becoming sick or even dying if taking the Supper in an unworthy manner?

It's not only proper but expected that the Pastor warns those who are yet unrepentant or unbelieving to restrain from taking part in the holy meal because if they do they will be eating and drinking judgment unto themselves. This is consistant with our forms for the celebrating of the Lord's Supper as well as Paul's exhortation here in I Corinthians.

It appears some were punished with sickness, and some with death. Yet according to v.32 this chastening was intended to bring repentance so that they would not be condemned with the world. This points out how seriously we should take this sacrament and prepare ourselves accordingly. "For if we judge ourselves, we would not be judged." (v.31)


Wes


This verse has been misapplied so much. Who is worthy? Are believers worthy? I agree all who partake should be believers. I agree all who partake do with faith and repentance, I disagree that another is to judge ones "worthiness" Paul exhors to examine ones OWN self, and not others. WHat was going on in the Corinthian church for Paul to admonish them? They were acting like pigs. THe rich had turned the meal into debauchery. Paul was speaking of profane , malicious observance, filling themselves, being drunk.. not a scrutinizing fencing based on us judging others. The celebration of the meal has had both extremems. Give it to anyone, or only give it to those whom the "elders" deem fit. The truth lies in neither.
While I agree with you that "normally" we should allow another to judge himself there are cases and situations where the elders of a church must also intervene. Case and Point: Elder of a church is disciplined for adultery and goes to another state during holidays and attempts to take communion while still under discipline at his church. He was with his mistress and was rightly kept from the table.

Reformed and Always Reforming,