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June 30 Daily Devotional

Self-Examination

Frans Bakker

But let a man examine himself. —1 Corinthians 11:28

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 11:27–32

Devotional

For whom is the Lord’s Supper? It is not for a hypocrite who considers himself to be God’s child. The Lord delights in truth in the inward parts. Neither is the Lord’s Supper for him who does not sincerely turn to the Lord. He would desecrate the sacrament, for he is, figuratively speaking, a “dog.” We must not give that which is holy to “the dogs.” The Lord’s Supper is for him who loathes himself, who trusts in Christ, and who desires to live according to God’s commandments.

The first mark of him who can partake of the Lord’s Supper is that he loathes himself because of sin. This is not a simple matter. By nature, we esteem ourselves. Yet we must learn to see the pool of iniquity within. Then we will loathe ourselves and have a godly sorrow that will work repentance to salvation, not to be repented of. Then one accuses himself before God. This is God’s gift. Do you know this in your life? To loathe self is more than to have knowledge of sin. Cain, Saul, and Judas all had knowledge of sin, but no loathing of self.

The second mark of him who can partake of the Lord’s Supper is that he trusts that in Christ his sins are forgiven. He who loathes himself will often not dare say that his sins are forgiven. Many turn back as they consider this second mark. They think they need an assured faith. But is an assured faith really necessary? God’s child may never rest until he has full assurance, but the Lord’s Supper is not only for the assured people of God. The contrite hearts of the faithful may not be dejected or discouraged. There is also a refuge-taking faith. This is a faith that clings to the Lord Jesus. A man must cleave to Christ, or perish. This man does not have assurance in Christ but the issues of his heart are toward Christ. He may only have a faith that leans on Christ but he is still focused on Christ. That is how it was with the woman with the issue of blood, who touched Christ from behind. Should such an afflicted one be cast out? No, when he is seated at the Lord’s Table, he may see that there is peace between him and God. His guilt is covered. Let no one think that he may only attend the table when his deliverance is a past stage in life. In spiritual life, no one lives beyond God’s delivering grace. All need this daily.

The third mark of him who can partake of the Lord’s Supper is that he desires to strengthen his faith and to improve his life. This is man’s gratitude. He desires to live holy with God.

Let us examine ourselves. If you are a stranger to these marks, do not desecrate the table of the Lord. You will drink judgment to yourself. Also realize that there is then no place for you at the everlasting marriage Supper of the Lamb. Let this tension be reality for you that you may not attend, and you cannot attend, but that you still must attend. For without this heavenly food and drink you will perish forever.

People of God, you are never finished with these three marks. You need to continually examine yourselves. Remember also, that to be at the Supper means that the King of the church will not forget His people. He will lead His people to be with Him at the Supper of the Lamb. There you will no longer need the sacrament for there His people will eat and drink forever from His fullness. They will forever receive grace for grace.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.

 

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