Homileict Monthly 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. suggested by its nature: — It is — I. A SIGN: qualification, knowledge. A knowledge not of any branches of learning, nor of theology in all its varied departments, but of the significance of the ordinance, "discerning the Lord's body." The Corinthians erred here. II. A SEAL: qualification, faith. It not only represents gospel blessings as a picture, but, rightly received, secures them as a seal. Its blessings depend — 1. Not on the administrator. He has no power to confer nor to intercept the blessing. 2. Not on other communicants. They can neither direct nor divert the blessings. 3. But simply on the faith of the comumnicant himself. Faith is the hand that takes the proffered gifts of grace. Without faith it is no sacrament. With faith it becomes a sacramental seal. Worthiness is therefore not sinlessness, but the sinner's humble trust. III. A FEAST: qualification, hunger. "Let us keep the feast." The Corinthians sinned in regarding it a carnal feast. This feast is prepared by God's gracious bounty. He welcomes to it all who hunger for His blessings. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." IV. A MEMORIAL: qualification, love. Memorials are heart-offerings. Enemies never erect memorials. Christ desires to be remembered. He has chosen His own memorial. Who shall build it? The heart that loves. A sacrilege for any other to approach. Worthiness is love. If the condition of approach is love, shall any one be content to stay away? (Homileict Monthly.) Parallel Verses KJV: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.WEB: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. |
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