When to Refrain from Participating in Communion

A person should not participate in the Communion service if they have not first engaged in the necessary preparatory work of self-examination and the reconciling of differences with othersDA 659.1. This solemn ordinance is designed for those who have already sought to cleanse their hearts through confession of sin and the settling of grievancesDA 659.1+1.

Here are the specific circumstances and conditions regarding when one should refrain from participating:

Lack of Self-Examination

• Communion is intended to be a season of deep soul-searchingST March 25, 1880, par. 5. One should not partake if they have neglected to examine their true feelings toward God and their brethrenST March 25, 1880, par. 5.

• If pride, selfishness, or hatred exists in the heart, these must be discovered and put away through the preparatory service before one gathers at the Lord's tableST March 25, 1880, par. 5.

• The night season reveals a need for close examination of self to ensure we are truly connected with God and perfecting Christian character3BC 1146.1.

Unresolved Discord and Sin

• A person should not participate if they are "unworthy," which involves not discerning the Lord's body 1 Corinthians 11:29BHB 173.12.

• If a believer knows a brother is at fault with another, this should be addressed through the proper channels of reconciliation before the ordinanceSITI May 11, 1888, page 288.6.

• The church is instructed not to keep company, or even eat the sacramental supper, with those called "brothers" who are openly living in grievous sin, such as being a fornicator, idolater, railer, or extortioner 1 Corinthians 5:11ARSH November 12, 1861, page 191.1.

Perversions of the Ordinance

• Participation is discouraged when the service has been turned into a "ceremonialism" used for self-exaltation rather than honoring ChristGCB/GCDB 1895, page 493.1.

• The ritual has no moral value if the participant is thoughtless or does not understand the symbolic meaning of the sacrificeBDOC 67.16.

• In the early church, some were rebuked because they attempted to celebrate the Lord's supper through selfishness, drunkenness, and gluttony, which is a rejection of its true purpose 1 Corinthians 11:20-21SITI March 12, 1885, page 170.2+1.

Spiritual Readiness

• While the service is not to be a time of mourning over past shortcomings—as that work should be finished in the preparatory service—one must come with a heart cleansed by Christ's blood and a full consciousness of His presenceDA 659.1.

• If a person is "was not as free" as they wished to be due to spiritual or physical distractions, they may find the experience less than what is desired for such a sacred occasion6MR 290.1+1.

Ultimately, the Lord designed the Communion service to be a blessing that keeps the hope of His second coming vivid in the mindDA 659.1+1. It is a time for those who have a "present, free, and full salvation" to meet with their Savior in the light of the crossSITI April 6, 1888, page 216.13+1.