Note 6 at 1 Cor. 11:27: The Lord's Supper is symbolic and its real power is in the fact that it keeps us in remembrance of the most basic truths of our salvation (see note 2 at vv. 24-25, p. 923). However, just because it is symbolic doesn't mean it is unimportant. Here Paul describes the severe effects of partaking of Communion unworthily (see note 7 at this verse).

Note 7 at 1 Cor. 11:27: There have been many interpretations of just what qualifies as "unworthily" in this verse. A severe interpretation would suggest that any deed or thought in a person's life which has not been confessed and repented of would make an individual unworthy. Since the scripture says, "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23), very few people would ever qualify as worthy to partake of Communion. Plus, this would make our relationship with the Lord in Communion dependent on our performance, which is contrary to the very act of atonement of which the Lord's Supper reminds us of.

It is most likely that what makes a person worthy or unworthy is whether or not he has been born again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92). This would also be totally consistent with the doctrine of grace which Paul constantly preached (see note 2 at Rom. 3:22, p. 759; see note 11 at Rom. 4:8, p. 762). There were unbelievers among the true Christians just as Jesus prophesied (see note 1 at Mt. 13:37, p. 200) and this still exists today. It is a dangerous offense for an unbeliever to take the Lord's Supper (see note 2 at Lk. 22:19, p. 474).

A person who professes salvation through partaking of Communion and yet does not possess it, because there is not true faith present, becomes guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (v. 27). That person will not be able to claim ignorance when he stands before God. The Lord's Supper clearly preaches the gospel.

Therefore, when taking Communion, each person should examine himself (see note 9 at v. 28) to see whether or not he is in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). It is an individual evaluation which a minister is not authorized to make for others, but ministers should make the warnings of Paul here in 1 Corinthians 11 known to others when administering Communion.

Note 8 at 1 Cor. 11:27: This warning about being "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" has caused fear in the hearts of many believers. They fear that if they aren't just right when they partake of Communion, they may be damned (v. 29). This is inconsistent with all the other teachings of Paul about relationship with the Lord through grace (see notes 2-3 at Rom. 5:1, p. 768; see notes 15-16 at Rom. 5:8-10, p. 772).

A Christian does not partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily even if he has sin in his life (see note 7 at v. 27). If we truly worship the Lord through Communion, we have to do that in Spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24), and our born-again spirit is perfect (see note 3 at Mt. 26:41, p. 507; see note 11 at Rom. 4:8, p. 762) regardless of how our flesh is (see note 3 at Rom. 7:18, p. 790). The apparent problems with this verse are removed when you interpret "unworthily" as referring to those who are not born again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92).

Paul is saying that anyone who is not saved and yet partakes of Communion is professing a lie (see note 5 at v. 26, p. 924). As Jesus said, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth" (Jn. 9:41). Judgment is easier on those who are ignorant (see note 5 at Lk. 12:48, p. 331) and anyone who takes Communion cannot claim ignorance. If an individual partakes of the Lord's Supper "unworthily" (i.e. not born again), that person becomes without excuse. He is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.