We are called to examine ourselves before we come to the table of the Lord. The Westminster Larger Catechism explains.
Question 171: How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?
Answer: They that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto,
by examining themselves of their being in Christ,
Are you in Christ? United to him by faith. Are you a Christian?
of their sins and wants;
You are to confess your sins, and your need of the forgiveness that Christ has earned.
of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance;
Do you have true knowledge, faith and repentance?To know Jesus the Christ is to have eternal life. To rest in the promises of the gospel, to turn from sin and to turn unto God in Christ.
What is the measure, the degree of your knowledge, faith and repentance? You are to seek a greater degree of each. You are to long to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
love to God and the brethren, charity to all men,
Do you love God? Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you live at peace with all men? Do you stand ready to show charity, kindness to all men?
forgiving those that have done them wrong;
Have you forgiven those who have sinned against you? If you will not forgive others, God will not forgive you.
of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience;
Do you desire Christ more? Are you walking in obedience to him?
and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer.
Are you pursuing Christ as a man, woman or child after his own heart?
If you examine yourself and find that you are not a believer, you don’t confess your sins, your don’t forgive others, you don’t love your brothers and sisters in Christ, you don’t want to grow in grace, then you must not come to this table.
If you examine yourself and find faith, even weak faith is true faith, you confess your need of Christ, you forgive others, you love your brothers and sisters in Christ and you want to grow in the fear and knowledge of God, this table is for you. It is designed for you, and for your benefit.
Come in faith to Christ, for help, and healing.