The 2nd of the sacraments that we have already looked at the meaning of the table. Now we ask who may partake and sit at the table. The first has to do with my personal view (what we feel in our heart) and secondly we deal with admission to the table as the Church has oversight of that table. This Lord's Day is also a transitional Lord's Day that will lead us into the keys of the Kingdom.

Sacraments are a means of grace that applies the faith that is preached unto us! For whom is it instituted? It is instituted for Christians, but it has both benefits and consequences and we must do it with care and good judgement as we can "eat and drink damnation to ourselves" also. Not many in the church world now days practice closed communion but we must police this as to make sure that God's wrath not enter upon the entire congregation. We must also ask ourselves do we rightfully examine ourselves BEFORE sitting at the table. Paul understands this and there are several things we must be carefully reminded of:

1. Those who are displeasing with themselves. Self examination has to do with SELF. We must NOT enter into a comparison mode with others, but must be self displeasure. We must know our sin and the consequences that are due to us (self looking in a mirror.) One knows God's love as they fall on their knees and pray for mercy from God bringing tears to their eyes.

2. Those who TRUST that God has covered those sins in Christ's blood. Those who realize his shortcomings YET can trust in the Word of God that he is nevertheless justified in the Lamb. Do we see how far this is from self righteousness? They have spoken to God, confessed their sins, and received confirmation and TRUST their forgiven of these very shortcomings and come to the table for that increase that speaks to that very faith!

3. Those that more and more flee from sin and seek a new and holy life and walk. TRUE CONFESSION ALWAYS SEEKS AMENDMENT!!! There has to be amendment of life although never achieving perfection in this life. As we get older we see these sins as we grow and grow in grace more and more clearly.

There is a warning/benefit here. Those who do NOT do this properly (the hypocrite) will bring damnation and destruction upon himself. "It were better that a milestone were hung around his neck..." Also, those who are the children of God who have no amendment of life are comfortable with their sin. We are then chastened of the Lord....He takes care of that insincerity and will lay His chastening hand upon it and us. "You are a sinner, repent from your ways!" It is best to examine and live properly. That very meat is preached to us after proper examination. Not being worthy, knowing it, and then to be able to hear the Lord say "you are forgiven my child" and we skip for JOY out of Church putting our shoulder to the task and receive blessing instead of judgment!