Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament; yet, they receive not the thing signified thereby; but, by their unworthy coming thereunto, are guilty of the body of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore, all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with Him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table; and cannot, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto.
Very stern words on the part of the Westminster divines here are quite appropriate, because the sacraments are serious and we have a tendency to regard such things all too lightly.
Unbelievers who participate in the Supper despite not being eligible to do so receive the sign (the outward elements of bread and wine) but not the things signified. Because transubstantiation and consubstantiation are incorrect views, the unbeliever does not eat or drink Christ physically; because he does not believe--has no faith--he does not receive Christ spiritually either. All he gets is bread and wine, plus something else he didn't bargain for.
The unbeliever eats unworthily, without faith, and so is guilty of the body and blood of Christ and brings condemnation upon himself (1 Corinthians 11:27). Instead of blessings he receives curses. Instead of promises he comes under condemnation.
As it is a great sin for unbelievers to partake of the Supper or even to be admitted to the sacrament, the responsibility falls upon believers--especially church leaders--to ensure that no one eats and drinks unworthily. The presiding minister should fence the table, warning the people congregated of the seriousness of the sacrament, discouraging any unbelievers from participating for their own sake as well as the sake of the church.
Tomorrow: Summary thoughts on the Lord's Supper.
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