The above verse means we are required to partake of the Communion in a proper attitude. If we do not, the elements of the Communion bring condemnation on us.

If a saint is not at peace with his brothers and sisters in the Lord, the body and blood of Jesus make him physically weak and sickly. Some of the believers in Corinth had died prematurely because they had not come to the Lord's Table with a right attitude toward the Lord or toward their fellow believers, an attitude demonstrated by their selfish behavior.

We must judge ourselves as to our attitude and behavior. If we do not, God will judge us and we will receive back the consequences of our behavior. God will chasten our flesh so we do not come under the condemnation that always abides on the world.

Perhaps Paul's clearest explanation of judgment and rewards can be found in the second chapter of the Book of Romans. The subtle doctrine of justification by faith (Romans, Chapters Three through Five) is surrounded by two chapters, Two and Six, that show that God does not excuse or overlook Christian conduct on the basis of grace. All men, Christians and non-Christians alike, will reap what they sow. Romans 6:23, for example, is addressed to Christians.

The following passage from the second chapter of Romans is a case in point:

Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (Romans 2:6)

Does this mean every man, or every non-Christian, or every Christian? We have these three choices. God will render to every man according to his deeds. This we know; but what does the Spirit mean by "every" man?

Let us read on and see if we can determine to whom "every man" is referring.

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (Romans 2:7)

According to the above verse, how is eternal life attained?

Eternal life is attained by perseverance in doing good; by stedfast endurance in well-doing.

What do those who persevere in doing good hope to achieve?

Glory, honor, immortality, eternal life.

What does God give to such people on the basis of their patient continuance in well doing?

Eternal life.

How do they gain eternal life?

By persevering in good behavior, according to the Scripture.

But we thought that we gain eternal life by believing in Jesus. We do. We just do not understand that there is no true belief in Jesus apart from righteous, holy, and obedient behavior toward God. We do not truly accept or understand that "faith without works is dead."

Precisely who is it that gains eternal life by doing good? We only have three choices: the Christian, the non-Christian, or every person.

What does the Scripture teach? The Scripture teaches that "every man" receives eternal life on the basis of his patient continuance in well-doing.

Does that not raise some serious questions concerning the current Christian position?

We could press this point from several other passages of Scripture, particularly from the Gospel accounts. But we are using Paul because he is the one whose teachings are used as the basis for the current misunderstanding.

To be continued.