Ellen White’s teaching on the communion service emphasizes several key points: 1. Not a Season of Sorrow, but of Peace and Joy: The communion service is not meant to be a time of sorrow or lamenting shortcomings. The preparatory service (self-examination, confession, reconciliation) should have already addressed these issues. At the Lord’s table, believers are to meet with Christ, standing in the saving light of the cross, opening their souls to His peace (see DA 659.1). 2. Points to Christ’s Second Coming: The service is designed to keep the hope of Christ’s return vivid. Each time believers partake, they remember Christ’s sacrifice and look forward to His coming. The love of Jesus and His sacrifice are to be kept fresh in memory, as the center of Christian hope (see DA 660.1). 3. Preparation and Reconciliation: Before communion, there should be self-examination, confession of sin, and reconciliation of differences. Only then can the heart enter into true fellowship with Christ (see DA 650.3). 4. Blessings of Participation: All disciples are called to participate, regardless of the presence of others who may be unworthy. Christ meets His people at these appointments, and those who come in faith will be greatly blessed. Neglecting the service results in spiritual loss (see DA 656.4). 5. Symbolism and Remembrance: The bread and wine symbolize Christ’s broken body and spilled blood. In partaking, believers join in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and the reconciliation it brings (see DA 661.1). 6. Communion with God and Each Other: The service is a time for communion with God and for strengthening the bond of love and unity among believers. The love between brethren is to be cemented by the love of Jesus (see DA 660.1). 7. Practical Results of Communion: True communion with God should be evident in daily life, bringing peace, rest, and a Christlike character. This spiritual strength is essential for Christian service and witness (see MH 512.1, GW 510.1). 8. Historical Practice: Ellen White notes that in the early church, the Lord’s Supper was sometimes preceded by a social meal, but this practice became problematic when it led to division and inequality (see LP 170.2). In summary, Ellen White teaches that the communion service is a sacred, joyful ordinance pointing to Christ’s sacrifice and second coming, requiring preparation and reconciliation, and resulting in spiritual blessing and unity among believers. References: - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages (DA 650.3, 651.1, 651.2, 656.4, 659.1, 660.1, 661.1). - White, E. G. (1892). Steps to Christ (SC 98.1). - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing (MH 512.1, 512.2). - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers (GW 510.1, 510.2, 510.3). - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6 (6T 47.2, 47.3); Vol. 9 (9T 133). - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles (LP 170.2).