We need to examine ourselves and be careful that we do not partake of the Lord’s Supper if we are not a believer in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished signified by the bread and the cup. And, even if we are a believer, we should not partake in an “unworthy manner”. There are different ways that we could partake in an “unworthy manner”. Verses 33 and 34 mention two specific examples. If we partake in a selfish way, seeking preference in being served over others, that is an “unworthy manner”. If we partake to primarily satisfy our hunger or thirst, rather than to partake to primarily worship, that is an “unworthy manner”. But, there are certainly other ways that we could partake of the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner”.
Today’s Scripture is full of warnings as to the punishments if we partake of the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner”. Verse 27 states that if we do so we will “be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord”. Verse 29 states that if we do so it will serve as “judgment to himself”. Verse 30 states that if we do so we may become weak or sick or even die (which is meant by the word “sleep”). Verse 32 states that if we do we will be disciplined by the Lord.
There are also other Scriptures which could possibly contain warnings as to the punishments if we partake of the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner”. Hebrews 10:29-31 is one such possible Scripture. Although Hebrews 10:29-31 is more general and would include other offenses, it could cover some extremely bad cases of partaking the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner”.
“How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:29-31.
There may be some particularly bad cases of partaking the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner” that could amount to figuratively trampling under foot the Son of God and regarding Christ’s blood as unclean and that constituted an insult to the Spirit of grace.
But, I think Hebrews 10:29-31 covers more than just particularly bad cases of partaking the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner”. Such a strong warning deserves careful meditation as to what additional actions could amount to figuratively trampling under foot the Son of God and regarding Christ’s blood as unclean and that constituted an insult to the Spirit of grace.
We need to be careful that we have a true understanding as to what was accomplished by Christ through His death, the sacrifice of His body and blood, represented by bread and the cup. If we attempt to “cheapen” that sacrifice by clinging to our own ideas and preferences as to what was accomplished by Christ thereby, in defiance of Scripture, I think it is similar to rushing into the Lord’s Supper selfishly to satisfy our own hunger and thirst. As one example, I think this could be done when people steadfastly and defiantly teach universal atonement (“God loves everyone, and Christ died for everyone, but the blood is common and ineffective unless man makes it special and effective by his work of faith”). As another example, but it is usually done more by people who believe in universal atonement, I think this could be done by not “guarding the table” by properly emphasizing today’s Scripture. I highlight “I think” in this paragraph, because Hebrews 10:29-31 is so general and figurative, but again the severity of the punishment both in Hebrews 10:29-31 and in today’s Scripture deserves careful and thorough meditation.
In conclusion, rather than dreading and avoiding Scriptures like Hebrews 10:29-31 and today’s Scripture, we should embrace such Scriptures with joy.
“57 The LORD is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
58 I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.
59 I considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I hastened and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have encircled me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your righteous ordinances.
63 I am a companion of all those who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD;
Teach me Your statutes.” Psalm 119:57-64.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 