Question 97

How ought Christians to partake of the Lords Supper?

They ought to partake worthily (that is suitably) with a suitable frame of heart to this Ordinance.

What is the great duty of those that would thus partake?

It is required that they examine themselves.

How many things must they examine themselves about?

Five especially, viz. 1. Knowledge. 2. Faith. 3. Love. 4. Repentance. 5. New Obedience.

Must every one that cometh to the Lords Supper have Knowledge?

Yes.

Why is Knowledge necessary?

To discern the Lords Body.^a

What other graces must they examine themselves about?

Their Faith, Repentance and Love.

In their examination, what must they look after?

Two things especially; 1. That they have these Graces. 2. That the said Graces be in readiness for service and exercise, that is, that they so stir up these Graces of the Holy Ghost, as they may be most profitably exerted in this most Sacred solemn Ordinance.

Why is Faith necessary?

To feed on Christ. Iohn 6. 53.

Why is Repentance necessary?

Repentance for sin will fit them to receive, and sweeten their receiving the benefits of Christs death to their Souls.

Why is Love necessary?

Because they who have no Love to God and Christ, and their Brethren, are unfit to receive the pledge of Gods Love to themselves.

What else must they examine themselves about?

New Obedience, whether they propose and practise it in any good measure.

Why is New Obedience necessary?

Because Christ only communicates the benefits of his death to them that obey him.^b

What if any Communicants shall eat this Bread, and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily?

They shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ.^c

What danger is there in that?

All such Communicants eat and drink Judgement to themselves.^d