To Be Often Commemorated—In this last act of Christ in partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, He pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer by a new covenant, in which it was written and sealed that upon all who will receive Christ by faith will be bestowed all the blessings that heaven can supply, both in this life and in the future immortal life. (Ev 276.1) MC VC

This covenant deed was to be ratified by Christ’s own blood, which it had been the office of the old sacrificial offerings to keep before the minds of His chosen people. Christ designed that this supper should be often commemorated, in order to bring to our remembrance His sacrifice in giving His life for the remission of the sins of all who will believe on Him and receive Him. This ordinance is not to be exclusive, as many would make it. Each must participate in it publicly, and thus say: “I accept Christ as my personal Saviour. He gave His life for me, that I might be rescued from death.”—The Review and Herald, June 22, 1897. (Ev 276.2) MC VC

Experience: Dealing Faithfully With an Interested Minister—Sabbath morning, when the church at _____ celebrated the ordinances, Brother _____ was present. He was invited to unite in the ordinance of feet washing, but said he preferred to witness it. He asked if participation in this ordinance was required before one could partake of communion, and was assured by our brethren that it was not obligatory, and that he would be welcome to the table of the Lord. This Sabbath was a most precious day to his soul; he said that he had never had a happier day in his life. (Ev 276.3) MC VC

He afterward desired an interview with me, and we had a pleasant visit. His conversation was very interesting, and we had a precious season of prayer together. I believe that he is a servant of God. I gave him my books Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, and Steps to Christ. He seemed much pleased, said he wanted all the light he could get in order to meet the opponents of our faith. He was baptized before leaving for his home, and will return to present the truth to his own congregation.—Letter 23a, 1893. (Ev 277.1) MC VC

Not Close Communion—Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord’s supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches.(1 Corinthians 5:2). But beyond this none are to pass judgment. God has not left it with men to say who shall present themselves on these occasions. For who can read the heart? Who can distinguish the tares from the wheat?—The Desire of Ages, 656 (1898). (Ev 277.2) MC VC

There may come in among you those who are not in heart united with truth and holiness, but who may wish to take part in these services. Forbid them not.—Manuscript 47, 1897. (Ev 277.3) MC VC

With Reverence—Everything connected with it should suggest as perfect a preparation as possible. Every ordinance of the church should be uplifting. They should not be made common or cheap, or placed on a level with common things.... Our churches need to be educated to a higher order of reverence and respect for the sacred service of God.—Manuscript 76, 1900. (Ev 277.4) MC VC