2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

ABSTRACT

In the intricate dance of faith and devotion, the role of individuals who are “not in heart servants of truth and holiness” raises profound questions about inclusion, transformation, and God’s love. This exploration delves into how divine grace operates through sacred ordinances like the Lord’s Supper, offering opportunities for spiritual growth even amid imperfect hearts, as inspired writings and Scripture illuminate the balance between sanctity and compassionate outreach to all within the community.

HEART HEROES UNVEILED

1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” This truth underscores our inability to judge another’s spiritual state accurately. Sr. White observed that Judas, though entrusted as treasurer and empowered to perform miracles, harbored selfish motives (Desire of Ages, p. 294). Yet Jesus did not exclude Judas from His ministry or the sacred ordinances, offering him repeated opportunities for transformation. God searches deeply as Jeremiah 17:10 declares, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Scripture further reveals in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” A prophetic voice once wrote that God does not deal with us as finite men deal with one another, for His thoughts are thoughts of mercy, love, and tenderest compassion, declaring, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon,” adding, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins” (Steps to Christ, p. 58, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told that those who have genuine love for God will manifest an earnest desire to know His will and to do it, as the apostle John, whose epistles treat so fully upon love, affirms, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (The Sanctified Life, p. 83, 1889). This teaches us to mirror Christ’s patience and leave judgment to God, who alone discerns true intentions. But in what ways does this patience manifest in Christ’s approach to those within the community?

INCLUSIVE INVINCIBLES ASSEMBLE

Sr. White emphasized that even when individuals approach the Lord’s Supper with unworthy hearts, Christ’s presence remains to minister to them (Review and Herald, June 22, 1897). This inclusivity reflects His desire to save all, regardless of their spiritual condition. Just as Judas was given a chance to experience divine love, we are called to extend grace, trusting that Christ can convict and transform those whose hearts are not fully committed. Christ unites all as Galatians 3:28 proclaims, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:7 further instructs, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” In The Desire of Ages we read that none should exclude themselves from the Communion because some who are unworthy may be present, for every disciple is called upon to participate publicly, and thus bear witness that he accepts Christ as a personal Saviour, since it is at these, His own appointments, that Christ meets His people, and energizes them by His presence, even if hearts and hands that are unworthy may administer the ordinance, yet Christ is there to minister to His children, and all who come with their faith fixed upon Him will be greatly blessed, while all who neglect these seasons of divine privilege will suffer loss, for of them it may appropriately be said, “Ye are not all clean” (The Desire of Ages, p. 656, 1898). A passage from The Review and Herald reminds us that the Lord washed the feet of Judas, for He did not refuse him a place at the table, although He knew that he would leave that table to act his part in the betrayal of his Lord, since it is not possible for human beings to tell who is worthy, and who is not, as they can not read the secrets of the soul, and it is not for them to say, I will not attend the ordinance if such a one is present to act a part, nor has God left it to man to say who shall present themselves on these occasions (The Review and Herald, May 31, 1898). In our churches today, we offer that same grace, willing to trust God’s timing over our judgments. How often do we confuse outward appearances with inner realities when distinguishing between types of struggles?

SIN’S SECRET SHOWDOWN

Sr. White draws a crucial distinction between those living in open, persistent sin and those silently struggling with commitment (Desire of Ages, p. 656). The former requires exclusion to preserve the sanctity of the ordinances, while the latter are invited to participate, offering space for Christ to work within their hearts. This distinction challenges us to exercise discernment without condemnation. Jude 1:22-23 directs, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Matthew 7:1-2 warns, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Ellen G. White wrote that Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord’s Supper, for it is true that open sin excludes the guilty, as this the Holy Spirit plainly teaches in 1 Corinthians 5:11, but beyond this none are to pass judgment, since God has not left it with men to say who shall present themselves on these occasions, for who can read the heart, and who can distinguish the tares from the wheat (The Desire of Ages, p. 655, 1898). The inspired pen notes that let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, for whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body (The Desire of Ages, p. 659, 1898). We mistake hidden struggles for rebellion at times, failing to offer the compassion and patience Christ exemplified. In what profound ways does this approach reflect the depths of divine affection?

LOVE’S LUMINOUS LEGACY

The inclusion of “not in heart servants” in sacred ordinances demonstrates God’s boundless love. Jesus’ decision to include Judas, despite his failings, highlights His willingness to save even those deeply entrenched in sin. Sr. White writes, “Even when hearts and hands are unworthy, Jesus meets with His people during the ordinances to offer spiritual strength and blessing” (Review and Herald, June 22, 1897). This truth calls us to emulate God’s grace. By allowing struggling members of the community to participate, we affirm our faith in His power to heal and transform. Romans 5:8 affirms, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Ephesians 2:4-5 states, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).” A prophetic voice once wrote that we are not forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive, for the ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited love of God, but by our attitude toward others we show whether we have made that love our own (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 251, 1900). Through inspired counsel we are told that the Lord’s Supper was not to be observed only occasionally or yearly, but more frequently than the annual Passover, for this solemn ordinance commemorates a far greater event than the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt, since that deliverance was typical of the great atonement which Christ made by the sacrifice of His own life for the final deliverance of His people (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 228, 1864). God’s love shines brightly through such inclusive acts of mercy. How can we extend this principle beyond the sacred table into everyday interactions?

GRACE IN ACTION ADVENTURE

This principle has far-reaching implications beyond the communion table. In our daily interactions, we separate ourselves from politics, trade unions, or secret societies while still reflecting Christ’s inclusive love. Sr. White’s guidance challenges us to walk the narrow path of separation without self-righteousness, ensuring our actions always point others to Christ’s love. As a community, we must cultivate an atmosphere of humility, recognizing our shared need for God’s grace. Titus 2:11-12 teaches, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” In Signs of the Times we read that let there be mutual forgiveness, for let no strange flame be brought to the altar, and let no malice, no hatred, be cherished by those who meet round the communion table, since let all differences be put away, and let the love of Christ rule in every heart (Signs of the Times, May 30, 1895). A passage from Evangelism reminds us that the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two monumental pillars, one within and one without the church, for upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God (Evangelism, p. 273, 1946). Grace empowers us to live out this love in both church and broader society. What ultimate insights does this offer for our journey of faith?

FAITH’S FINAL FLAME

God’s love is most evident in His willingness to meet us where we are, transforming us step by step. By embracing those who are “not in heart servants,” Christ shows that His grace extends to all, offering every opportunity for renewal. As Sr. White observes, “The Saviour is patient and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish” (Desire of Ages, p. 656). Let us, as a faith community, embody this same patience, trusting in God’s power to work in ways beyond our understanding. Together, we approach the Lord’s Supper with humility and an open heart, remembering that the ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. John 13:34-35 commands, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 2 Peter 3:9 confirms, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Ellen G. White wrote that every Communion service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus with the Father, for in a special sense, it forms a connection between dependent human beings and God (From Heaven With Love, p. 383, 1988). The inspired pen notes that the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ, for till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance is to be celebrated, since it is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds (The Desire of Ages, p. 652, 1898). Divine grace ultimately draws the community into deeper unity through these sacred moments.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of God’s inclusive grace in the Lord’s Supper through daily Scripture reading, allowing it to foster greater compassion in my own heart?

How might we present the themes of inclusion and transformation in communion to varied groups, ensuring clarity and relevance while upholding biblical truths?

What prevalent misunderstandings about worthiness in sacred ordinances exist in our circles, and how can we address them thoughtfully with insights from Scripture and Sr. White?

In what tangible steps can we as individuals and congregations reflect Christ’s patient love, becoming living examples of grace that invite renewal in others?