Bible Discussion Thread

In 1st Corinthians 11:30 is it a spiritual or physical death can you help me understand this. Thank you and God bless you!

This sin of eating the communion bread with out respecting the Body began with Judas.

Jesus was asked to point out the betrayer. Jesus said it is he who takes the morsel from His hand. Judas took the morsel and in that moment Satan entered him. Then Jesus said; "do what you must but do it quickly". Jesus seemed to speak toJudas and Satan as one.

This depraved act was completely unmindful of Christ's crucifixion the next day. Judas took the bread having decided to betray the Lord. After choosing to act Judas took from Jesus His Body given up for the forgiveness of sin. Judas ate the bread not considering that Jesus said "this is my body"

By this act Satan, having in himself the power of death can rightfully cause anyone else who so thoughtlessly and sinfully approaches the Communion meal suffers condemnation and is subject to Satan's power of death.

1 Cor. 11:30 is physical death; referred to as "falling asleep" (see also Acts 7:60). The book along with all the epistles is addressed to the church; with warnings specifically targeted in that direction. The gravity of proper respect at the Lord's supper is a sobering thought here.

There is a great tendency for categorizing people as "saved" or lost without further distinction as to the state of saved people especially. The concept of rewards or loss thereof ( Rev. 3:11) is found in a number of scriptures. Some; no doubt bring forth different levels of fruit ( Mark 4:20). Some make it in but suffer loss ( 1 Cor. 3:15). There is also a tendency to brush over sins committed after a confession of faith as somehow not having consequences in the lives of a believer. Again; we see a reference to this in Corinthians about anyone who destroys the "Temple of God". ( 1 Cor. 3:16-17). If we dishonor God we can shorten our life through natural causes; and God's discipline can be part of this refining process even to death. See also 1 Cor. 5:5.

We must keep in mind that as God's children; he "chastises every one He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). We cannot be certain of the salvation of Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-11) but it fits the same pattern. Whoever has "tasted and seen" ( Heb. 6:4-5) God's goodness but is not truly Born Again has greater judgment. When we see churches today that clearly lack the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 1:7 and other passages); there is a tendency to ignore the exhortations and rebuke which need to be given along with encouragement for the edification of the saints ( 2 Timothy 4:2). Just because as Protestants we don't believe in transubstantiation; we do well to heed to the fact that His presence is in communion. Churches need to emphasize salvation along with living without a LIFESTYLE of unrepentant sin is necessary when partaking in communion. Unforgiveness should also be addressed ( Matt. 5:23-24

Well said, Richard.

Paul's sobering words in the previous verse raised a serious question for believers. He said that to participate in communion without "discerning the body" will bring judgment on the one who eats the bread and drinks the cup.

That reference seems to refer to those who treat the bread and wine as just like any other meal or snack: to be careless or shallow about it

Or, it might refer to those who fail to recognize how commemorating the death of Christ expresses unity with other believers. Or, it might refer to some combination of both. But what judgment comes from not discerning the body?

Mishael

VSB, that verse applies only to a physical death. 1 Corinthians 11:27 onwards, speaks of why some people are disciplined by the Lord in this matter about partaking at the Lord's Table. The specific reasons are not given by the apostle, but clearly, some were partaking but were unworthy to do so. It may have involved their manner of coming, as in verses 20-22 (making that special supper an orgy of food & drink). Paul may have been thinking of some who were living lives unbecoming of a believer & yet the same ones come piously to the Lord's Table to seek 'repentance' or gain God's favor, in hypocrisy. And others, not giving due consideration to this important time of remembrance of Jesus' Sacrifice, by frivolous talking or jesting - or many other reasons, which you might even think of.

We cannot judge what's in other people's hearts, nor should we even try to, but every heart remains bare before God, for He cannot be fooled by our irreverance & sinful ways. God will judge: some are dealt with by illness of various sort, others who continue to refuse the pleading & ministry of the Spirit in their lives, will have their lives cut short "that they should not be condemned (receive the same condemnation) with the world". Better for these to have not partaken, than to partake in a manner that brings shame to the Lord Jesus & on the solemnity of this occasion of remembrance of Him.