Communion: What is an "unworthy manner"?

[levnishbar]

Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

It would appear from verse 34 that to eat it in an unworthy manner is to eat it because one is hungry, and not because they are doing it in remembrance of Jesus. However it is unclear if this is the only thing that makes one unworthy.

Nevertheless, the consequences of doing it in an unworthy manner is to invite judgment upon oneself, while there is no positive commandment to take the Communion at a given frequency (so it is possible to skip some).

If one has:
1. Sinned recently, especially wilfully (e.g. lost their temper however justifiably, swore, hurt a loved one, etc);
2. Bears a grudge against another member of the church;
3. Just joined the church and could not be aware of all the doctrines of the Church;
4. Is a regular to the church and doesn't agree with one or more of the church doctrines

Should they refrain from taking Communion?

 

[HTacianas]

Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

It would appear from verse 34 that to eat it in an unworthy manner is to eat it because one is hungry, and not because they are doing it in remembrance of Jesus. However it is unclear if this is the only thing that makes one unworthy.

Nevertheless, the consequences of doing it in an unworthy manner is to invite judgment upon oneself, while there is no positive commandment to take the Communion at a given frequency (so it is possible to skip some).

If one has:
1. Sinned recently, especially wilfully (e.g. lost their temper however justifiably, swore, hurt a loved one, etc);
2. Bears a grudge against another member of the church;
3. Just joined the church and could not be aware of all the doctrines of the Church;
4. Is a regular to the church and doesn't agree with one or more of the church Doctrines

Should they refrain from taking Communion?

If you are in doubt you shouldn't. It says also:

1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

A man needs to "examine himself". Examine your conscience. Go to confession.

 

[Dave G.]

I'm right in line with HT. In our church we are given a minute to reflect before the Lord and to from the heart make ourselves right with Him. That means to confess known transgressions. I like to go with known and unknown transgressions figuring the Lord knows my heart better than I do. Otherwise all believers are welcome to partake at our church. When I've lead communion I like to use the 1 Corinthians 11 narrative " as often as you do this do it in remembrance of me".

 

[BobRyan]

Biblical reference: 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

It would appear from verse 34 that to eat it in an unworthy manner is to eat it because one is hungry, and not because they are doing it in remembrance of Jesus. However it is unclear if this is the only thing that makes one unworthy.

Nevertheless, the consequences of doing it in an unworthy manner is to invite judgment upon oneself, while there is no positive commandment to take the Communion at a given frequency (so it is possible to skip some).

If one has:
1. Sinned recently, especially wilfully (e.g. lost their temper however justifiably, swore, hurt a loved one, etc);
2. Bears a grudge against another member of the church;
3. Just joined the church and could not be aware of all the doctrines of the Church;
4. Is a regular to the church and doesn't agree with one or more of the church doctrines

Should they refrain from taking Communion?

To live in open sin, to live in rebellion, to take communion with unconfessed (unconfessed to God alone in private) sin or having done your brother/sister wrong and not made it right.

We have a foot washing service before each service that is for repentance and confession ... so there should be no division in the church when partaking of the symbols of Christ's blood and body.

If you feel you are not ready to confess your sins to God and repent - then don't partake of the emblems. But if you feel you are ready to make such a confession and repent - the do it - and also partake of the symbols after that.

 

[levnishbar]

Thank you for your input, everyone.

Consider the times Jesus dined with people face-to-face, and suppose that Communion is akin to past meals with the Lord. The difference between the meals Jesus had with people in the flesh, and after his death/resurrection, was the blood shed and for us, and so we must add a layer of reverence to the memory of the meals. When believers come together for Communion or a meal together, the Lord is there with us (Matthew 18:19-20)

Most people who came to dine with the Lord, were not turned away. This includes the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50) and other sinners (Luke 5:27-32). Even Judas, a thief, a wilful and ongoing sinner, who had in his mind to betray the Lord, was welcome at the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-23). And of course the Lord did not turn away the hungry from him either; although they hungered for 3 days he had compassion on them (Matthew 15:32-39).

The instance when Jesus did raise up criticism at the dinner table was against Pharisees and lawyers (Luke 11:37-54).

So, after some thought, I would instead suggest that an "unworthy manner" is to take communion with an attitude of self-righteousness, greed, pride, self-glorification and the other faults Jesus found with the Pharisees and lawyers.

But if one comes to Communion because they are hungry but unable to eat at home (i.e. destitute), I believe the Lord did, and will welcome them wholeheartedly to the table, and therefore so should we. If someone comes to Communion out of curiosity, are sinners (of all shades) and even intending to betray the Lord (as happens in countries where Christians are persecuted, like Iran) - Jesus still welcomed them in the flesh and so should we.