Are You Taking Communion Unworthily? What the Bible Says

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred act of worship—a moment to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, proclaim His gospel, and unite as His church. However, the Bible provides a sobering warning about participating in this ordinance improperly. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul declares:

“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

For those who hold the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, this passage calls for serious reflection. What does it mean to partake in an “unworthy manner”? What are the consequences? And how should we prepare? Let’s dive into Scripture to find the answers.

The Corinthian Context: A Church in Chaos

To grasp Paul’s warning, we first need to understand the situation in the Corinthian church. In 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 (NKJV), Paul addresses their shameful behavior during the Lord’s Supper:

“Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you… When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?”

The Corinthians were deeply divided. The wealthy indulged in feasts while the poor were left hungry, and some even became intoxicated. Paul rebukes them for despising the church and dishonoring the sacred meal. This selfish and divisive conduct provides the backdrop for his caution against partaking unworthily.

Defining “Unworthy Manner”: A Biblical Standard

The phrase “unworthy manner” (from the Greek anaxios) doesn’t mean we must be inherently worthy—none of us are apart from Christ. Instead, it refers to the way we approach communion. Scripture highlights several key aspects:

Failing to Discern the Lord’s Body: Communion is a profound act of remembrance and unity. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NKJV), Paul explains:

“l.”

To partake without “discerning the Lord’s body” is to ignore both the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the unity of His church.

Selfishness and Division: The Corinthians’ behavior—marked by greed and cliques—contrasted sharply with the love and oneness communion represents.

Unrepentant Sin: Approaching the table with unresolved sin or unreconciled relationships dishonors God. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV):

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

While our salvation rests on Christ’s merit alone, God calls us to partake in a manner that reflects reverence for Him and His people.

The Consequences: Disciplinary Judgment

Paul doesn’t mince words about the stakes. In 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 (NKJV), he warns:

“For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”

Some Corinthians experienced physical consequences—weakness, illness, and even death—due to their irreverence. But this “judgment” isn’t eternal damnation. Paul clarifies in 1 Corinthians 11:32 (NKJV):

“But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”

This is corrective discipline, not final condemnation. The writer of Hebrews echoes this in Hebrews 12:6-7 (NKJV):

“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

For believers, God’s discipline is an act of love, designed to restore us to fellowship with Him.

Preparing for Communion: Examine Yourself

Given the gravity of unworthy participation, Paul provides clear guidance in 1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV):

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”

This self-examination includes:

Confessing Sin: Honestly repent before God. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

  • Reconciling with Others: Address broken relationships, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV).
  • Discerning the Body: Approach with awe for Christ’s sacrifice and commitment to unity with fellow believers.

Theologian J.C. Ryle once cautioned that those persisting in blatant, unrepentant sin should refrain from communion, lest they mock Christ’s sacrifice. Yet for the repentant, the Lord’s Table is a place of grace, not judgment.

Today’s Church: Reverence and Unity

These truths remain vital for us today. When you approach communion:

  • Honor Its Meaning: It’s not a routine tradition but a declaration of Christ’s death. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV), “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
  • Pursue Unity: Reject division and pride, valuing the body of Christ.
  • Rely on Grace: Don’t let guilt deter you. Jesus commands, Luke 22:19 (NKJV), “Do this in remembrance of Me.” With a repentant heart, come boldly.

Struggling with sin? Don’t run from the table—run to it with humility. God’s grace awaits.

Come with a Repentant Heart

The Bible teaches that taking communion unworthily is a serious matter, but it’s not about achieving perfection—it’s about approaching with sincerity. God’s discipline seeks to heal, not harm. So before your next communion:

Search your heart.

Repent of sin.

Mend relationships.

Focus on Christ’s sacrifice.

Ask: Am I honoring the Lord’s body? Am I united with His church? Let the Holy Spirit lead you, and partake with faith and reverence. In doing so, you’ll take communion worthily, glorifying God and growing in His grace.


DMMC 8-5-25

Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Dialysis Day with Dave

Image
Just wanted to run you through an average dialysis day for me and so many others. ----------------------------------------- The alarm shrieks, cutting through the dawn quiet at 7:30 AM, sharp and insistent. Dave groans, rolling over to silence it. His body feels heavy, like it’s still tethered to the bed, but he knows he can’t linger. Dialysis days start early, and the clinic waits for no one. He swings his legs over the side of the bed, pausing to catch his breath. The familiar ache in his lower back is there, a dull throb---a reminder of the fluid his kidneys can’t clear anymore. He shuffles to the bathroom, splashes cold water on his face, and stares at his reflection. His eyes are a little puffy today, but he forces a half-smile. “You got this,” he mutters, a mantra he’s leaned into since his diagnosis. He knows that it's only the strength from God that is getting him through each day. Breakfast is light—oatmeal with a few blueberries, no salt, no bananas. He’s memorized the re...
Read more

Meta is a Menace. The Tyranny of AI

Image
 The use of AI in content moderation on Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads—has sparked intense debate about its impact on free expression, fairness, and platform governance. The term “tyranny of AI” suggests an overreach of automated systems that could suppress voices or misjudge content, often with little recourse for users. Below, I’ll break down the key issues, benefits, and concerns surrounding Meta’s AI-driven moderation, drawing on recent trends and critiques while examining the broader implications. The Role of AI in Meta’s Content Moderation Meta has increasingly leaned on AI to handle the massive volume of content across its platforms, with automated systems now responsible for a significant portion of content removals. For instance, in early 2025, Meta reported that 97.4% of content removed for hate speech on Instagram was handled by AI, though this dropped slightly for bullying and harassment on Facebook. The company has also moved toward automat...
Read more

Borrowing Back the Past: A Reflection on Loss, Faith, and Memory

Image
Today was another rough day, but I’m still here, still fighting, still trusting in God’s plan. For those who may not know, I’ve been on dialysis for nearly three years—September will mark that milestone. Navigating the endless hoops of medical appointments, tests, and treatments often leaves me drained, with little energy to tackle everything I need to do. Yet, I’m blessed beyond measure to have employers who understand my limitations. Their compassion and flexibility are gifts I can never fully repay, and I thank God for their kindness every day. Three weeks ago, I underwent tests to determine if my bladder has the capacity and elasticity to support a kidney transplant, should that day ever come. Then, last week, I traveled to Lafayette for a biopsy due to concerns about a nodule or shadow on my thyroid. Both tests were supposed to yield results within a week, but I’ve heard nothing—diddly squat, as I like to say. The transplant team is likely weighing what’s best for me, and I trust ...
Read more