Personal Examination (1 Corinthians 11:28 (LD 30; BC Article 35)

The Apostle Paul gives some strong words regarding the call for members in the church to examine themselves. It is rather frightening to hear Paul talk about people actually dying in the midst of the congregation.  Why would we as sinners desire to partake of such a meal?  Who is worthy to eat at the Lord’s table?  Who can claim a worthiness to be a partaker of this food?  So, how can one come to the Lord’s Supper without knowing that one is not going to be struck dead?  What does Paul mean when he exhorts us to examine ourselves?