Ellen White’s writings make it clear that communion itself does not wash away sins. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from sin. Communion is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a symbol of our faith in Him as our Savior. Before partaking in communion, believers are called to self-examination, confession, and reconciliation, so that they come to the table with hearts already cleansed by Christ’s forgiveness.
Key references from her writings include:
- “He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy.” (Desire of Ages, p. 646.4)
- “With hearts cleansed by Christ's most precious blood, in full consciousness of His presence, although unseen, they are to hear His words, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.’” (Desire of Ages, p. 659.1)
- “We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We ‘behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’” (Desire of Ages, p. 651.1)
- “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses ‘from all sin.’” (Ministry of Healing, p. 90.3)
- “By eating the bread and drinking the wine, we show that we believe this. We show that we repent of our sins, and that we receive Christ as our Saviour.” (The Story of Jesus, p. 98.5)
In summary: Communion does not itself wash away sins. It is a symbol of faith in Christ, whose blood alone cleanses us. Before partaking in communion, believers are called to self-examination, confession, and reconciliation, so that they come to the table with hearts already cleansed by Christ’s forgiveness.
References:
- White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages. Pacific Press.
- White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing. Pacific Press.
- White, E. G. (1896). The Story of Jesus. Pacific Press.