Moreover, in this section the vertical and horizontal dimensions of communion are presented, as is the Lutheran doctrine of the real presence and the need for self-examination or repentance on the part of the communicant. The study brings to mind the vertical and horizontal dimensions to the Lord's Supper. While academic, it is nevertheless a good presentation as to what communion effects. Communion has a proclamatory nature. The Corinthians are one in Christ, but their elitist behavior did not demonstrate that gift from God.
Communion has a unifying purpose.
Paul's message to a disunited congregation is a unified body of Christ shared in the supper. Basing a national statement about admission to the Lord's Supper on a corrupted and dysfunctional situation in a congregation of nearly 2000 years past is problematic. The statement does not begin with a graceful proclamation of God's gift of forgiveness for Christ's sake in this meal. It is negative rather than stating what communion is and who the Lord invites to His table. This is not a Missouri table.