Shorter Catechism Qs. 96–97
Q. 96. What is the Lord’s supper?
A. The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.
Q. 97. 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, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgement to themselves.
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“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:19–20 ESV)
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV)
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:27–29 ESV)
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Surely, busyness is the curse of modern life. You are busy. I am busy. We are all busy. We have at our disposal so much technology, resources, and tools that should make our lives easier. But the reality is we have never been more busy! And we all long for a simpler, less hectic life.
But busyness serves a spiritual purpose, because it becomes a window into our souls. Being so busy, we are compelled to make choices. And the truth is we always have time for what is truly important to us. We let go of what is less important for what is more important. Given the choice, a child chooses to play rather than study, because playing, in his mind, is more important to him. His activities, the choices he has made, let us peak into his heart. What we do is what we have decided is important; and what we have decided is important, is what we do.
Now, what is true of an individual person is true of a church as well. Many things happen, or not happen, in a worship service. Some worship services give a great deal of time to reading, preaching, and hearing God’s word. Some churches barely do. The Lord’s Supper plays a prominent role in some churches. In other churches, not so much. But, surely, What happens in a worship service is an expression of what the church leadership, pastors and elders, have decided is important.
Sadly, the reality is that many Christians pay lip-service to the importance of God’s word, but they don’t read or study the Bible with any seriousness. They don’t, because when it comes down to it, they judge there are more important things to do with their time. Remember, we always have time for what is important. Now, to such Christians, I would say, “Granted that is how you think. But do you really want to be at a church where the pastor and the elders think like that?”
The reason why God’s Word and the Lord’s Supper have prominent places in our worship service is because the elders of this church are convinced what God’s people really need is what God has commanded us to do. We are convinced there is no better source of wisdom, strength, and grace than what God has ordained for such purposes. What we do is a window into our priorities.
So why is the Lord’s Supper a priority? First, Jesus our Lord commanded us to do it (Luke 22:19–20). Second, the Lord’s Supper signs and seals for us the death of our precious Savior. He suffered and died to save us from judgment.
We can never think too often or too much of what Jesus has done for us. Indeed, unless we think often and much of what Jesus has done for us, we will find our hearts grow cold. But Jesus commanded(!) us to remember him so, because he knew we are weak and easily stray. So the Lord’s Supper tethers our hearts to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit blesses the faith that draws near Jesus with comfort and grace. The Lord’s Supper has a prominent place in our worship because it is vital for our spiritual health.
Then how shall we receive the Lord’s Supper? The worthy receiving of the Supper requires a few things. First, we must examine our hearts. That does not mean a morbid introspection of ourselves. It means remembering, and humbly receiving the tokens of his promises. It does not mean deciding to not to receive the Supper if you have had a particularly “bad” week. Do you really think having a “good” week entitles you to receive the Supper? By no means. It is all of grace. The Supper is for struggling sinners who know they are unworthy of Jesus. Do not excommunicate yourself because you are pained by your sin. Unless you were pained by sin, you have no place at the Table. Receive the bread and the cup, then, knowing you are unworthy, but that Jesus welcomes sinners. And as you receive the bread and the cup, know that you are not “vile sinners” to Jesus. You are his people, his friend, his house, his fruit, and his bride. Be glad because he loves you!
At the same time, the Lord’s Supper is holy. The bread and the cup portray the sin which nailed Jesus to the cross, and that sin which Jesus died to destroy. If you are treasuring any sin in your heart, unwilling to forsake it for Jesus’ sake, then you may be receiving the Supper in a truly unworthy manner, and eat and drink judgment to yourself. Do not think you can mock God. You must receive the bread and the cup with a serious earnestness to forsake sin and honor Jesus in all areas of your life.
Now, if you are unsure of where you stand, I urge you to seek the counsel of your elders. They will help you receive the Supper with clear conscience and joy. This is important. Please don’t take it lightly!