Catechism Question 82
What is the proper way to receive the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper must be received in faith with thanksgiving by those who have confessed and repented of their sins. Those who receive the meal in this manner are assured of the forgiveness of their sins and receive grace to strengthen them in the faith, but those who do not come properly eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This is the fifth in a series of questions on the Lord’s Supper. In this question, we discuss the proper way we must receive the Lord’s Supper. There are two key requirements: faith and repentance.
As always, we do not receive anything apart from faith. As we have noted in question 73 above, there is a clear distinction between Protestants and Roman Catholics on this point. The Roman Catholic Church states that the sacraments work automatically. (The technical term is ex opere operato – in the working it works.) However, Protestants correctly note that the only way we receive any benefits from Christ – whether by sacrament or otherwise – is by faith. Without faith it is impossible to receive anything from God
However, it is also important that we repent of any known sins, confessing them to God and sincerely desiring to depart from them in the future. This is seen in Paul’s warning to the Corinthians that some had eaten of the meal improperly and were thus sick. He told them that they must judge themselves as they come to the Table so they would not be judged. This does not mean that Communion must be a time of morbid introspection, trying to think of every sin – but it does mean that we must not approach the sacrament flippantly. It is a serious thing to approach the Table that is Hosted by Christ and points to His death for our sins. Therefore, those who come must be repentant and must confess known sins to Christ.
Those who come to the Table properly – confessing sins and approaching God in faith – are assured of forgiveness and receive fresh grace and spiritual strength. But those who do not come properly – either because they do not have faith in Christ as Lord, or because they refuse to repent of their sin – do not receive grace but rather judgment.
Additional Questions:
What is the right way to come to receive Communion?
What attitudes should we have when we come to the Lord’s Table?
Scripture References:
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
1 Corinthians 11:27–31
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.
Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
1 John 1:6–9
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Psalms 32:1–5
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is it important to understand that to receive the blessings promised in the Lord’s Supper we must receive the meal in faith? Do we receive any of God’s covenant blessings apart from faith?
If we have to come to the Table with conscious faith in the Lord Jesus and a heart that is mindful of our sins and willing to repent of them, who should partake of the Lord’s Supper? Should an unbeliever eat the Supper? Should children come to the Table before they have understood the Gospel and received Christ?
What does it mean to repent of our sins as we come to the Table? Does this mean we must have lived in perfect obedience? Does it mean we try and think of every single sin we have committed? What attitude is God calling for as we come to receive His Supper?
If those who eat improperly fall under the judgment of God, is it better just to avoid the Lord’s Table? What benefit do we receive if we come properly?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 76 of the Heidelberg Catechism, and question 97 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg or Westminster Shorter Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “Enjoying Jesus Through His Table” (August 28, 2016), “Jesus is the Bread of Life” (February 14, 2016), “Communion” (June 3, 2012), “What Is A Sacrament” (March 7, 2010), and “The Thanksgiving Meal” (August 19, 2012).
Suggested Worship Song:
In Remembrance of Me (Cheri Keaggy)
(This song reminds us of the need to examine ourselves before we eat and drink – for this is no ordinary meal, but is the very sacrament given by Christ.)
This is my body given for you
This is the cup that holds the blood of the new covenant
This is forgiveness, simple and true
This is the way that I have made for you
[Chorus]:
Before you eat,
Before you drink
Take a long look inside
And tell me what you see
He said, “Do this in remembrance of Me”.
Do this in remembrance of Me
This is the bread of life broken for you
This is the cup that holds the wine of the new covenant
This is the love of Christ poured out anew
This is the Son of God who died for you
[Chorus]
I will remember the cross that You bore for me
I will remember the crown that You wore for me.
I will remember the reason You suffered and died
[1st verse]
This is the way that I have made for you (I am the way)
This is the way that I have made for you