Examine Yourself (2 Corinthians 13:1-9)

When we make a profession of faith we might think that we are in the church and we have arrived at the last step in our Christian walk.  We hear the Apostle Paul exhort us through the Corinthian church to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.  Does Paul mean that when people make a profession that they are not in the faith?  Is the Apostle Paul saying that we just randomly loose our faith?  How do we live out this faith in Christ?

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?