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From Heaven With Love
unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” “He
that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation
to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
1 Corinthians 11:28, 27,
29
.
When believers assemble to celebrate the ordinances, there may
be a Judas in the company; and if so, messengers from the prince
of darkness are there, for they attend all who refuse to be controlled
by the Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are present. There may
come into the company persons who are not servants of truth and
holiness, but who wish to take part in the service. They should not
be forbidden. There are witnesses present who were present when
Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.
Christ by the Holy Spirit is there to convict and soften the heart.
Not a thought of contrition escapes His notice. For the repentant,
brokenhearted one He is waiting. He who washed the feet of Judas
longs to wash every heart from the stain of sin.
None should exclude themselves from Communion because
some who are unworthy may be present. At these, His own appoint-
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ments, Christ meets His people and energizes them by His presence.
Hearts and hands that are unworthy may even administer the or-
dinance, yet all who come with their faith fixed on Christ will be
greatly blessed. All who neglect these seasons will suffer loss. The
administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the
infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as part of the
great whole of fallen humanity.
The Reasons for Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing.
As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table, they are not to lament
their shortcomings. They are not to recall differences between them
and their brethren. The preparatory service has embraced all this.
Now they come to meet with Christ. They are not to stand in the
shadow of the cross, but in its saving light. They are to open the soul
to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. They are to hear
His words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not
as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
John 14:27
.