Heb. 13:7, 17
"Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of Good to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.... Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account."
It's almost more negligent than any other conceivable conduct in the whole world to serve communion without regard to the well-being of the person receiving.
What are we handling here? And no, I don't mean that question in the ritualistic, idolatrous manner of Rome. We are dealing with matters, and things to which God has attached his promises, that have definite effects, either for good OR for ill. Mishandling the Lord's Supper has brought death to people. Physical death is the last time a person can repent, and turn to God.
Apostasy is a real phenomenon. No one infallibly knows the heart. Some believers had died ("fallen asleep") in Corinth. Isn't it a sin to harm another person? Accidents are forgivable, but they are still "accountable." So, if a pastor is supposed to "watch for the soul" of those in his care, how is it not sinful to him to serve communion without discrimination?
We are serving "heaven" (blessing) or "hell" (judgment) to the people, and only the Lord knows for certain. Excusing ourselves by saying, "God knows which ones judged will still end up in heaven," is a farce.
