The Lord's Supper 3/3

Every born-again believer — a child of the covenant — may take part in the Lord’s Supper — the Lord’s table — when they distinguish it from other eating and otherwise relate to it in a way that emphasizes its worth and meaning. That is, even when they feel themselves unworthy and are in process with their own sinfulness; whether it is long-standing stumbling or a shorter-term failure, for example in relationships. What matters is the will to follow Jesus.

Someone may be working on their ability to forgive. Another has challenges with a root of bitterness, a fierce temper, or a lifestyle inclined to greed. Thus, even if as a result of self-examination before the Lord’s Supper a person judges the states of affairs mentioned above as sin and repents, it is not entirely certain that they are fully free of them after the Lord’s Supper. Freedom from the grip of wrongdoing often takes its own time. Of course it is equally important — and this cannot be overemphasized — that sin is judged as sin and that repentance is made of the unfruitful works of darkness.

Renewal at the Lord’s table

The Lord’s own, who at the Lord’s Supper partake of the Lord’s body and blood, may precisely then experience a renewal through which they begin to live a more victorious life. For those who deliberately pursue sanctification, the principle must be the instruction of Hebrews: “make straight paths for your feet,” that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed. So also in situations where we may hesitate about taking part in the Lord’s Supper, it is better to partake of the Lord’s cup than not to take part in it.

Every one who belongs to Jesus, who at bottom wants to bend their life according to his will, may take part in the Lord’s table even when they have not measured up. They are worthy of the Lord’s Supper because of Jesus’ atoning work. If only the perfect were allowed to take part in the Lord’s Supper, the bread and wine would go untaken in every service. Without Jesus no one would be worthy.

Rom 8 1 Cor 10, 11 Heb 12