We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

695. Jesus instituted the sacrament as the symbol of His atoning sacrifice.

696. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is an ordinance of the gospel.

697. In partaking of the sacrament we renew solemn covenants made with the Lord.

698. The Lord promises that those who partake of the sacrament worthily will have His spirit to be with them.

699. Liquids other than wine and food other than bread may be used as emblems in the observance of the sacrament.

700. The bread of the sacrament is a symbol of the Savior's broken flesh; the wine is a symbol of His spilled blood: the bread is not the actual flesh of Christ, the wine is not His actual blood.

701. The Lord has designated those who may officiate in the administration of the sacrament.

702. The Lord has established the words to be used for the blessing of the emblems of the sacrament.

703. The sacrament is for those who believe in Christ and have been baptized, namely, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

704. Before partaking of the sacrament we are to examine ourselves to determine that we are worthy.

705. Although unworthy persons should not take the sacrament, they are not to be removed from Church services, rather they are to be loved and cared for.

695. Jesus instituted the sacrament as the symbol of His atoning sacrifice.

James E. Talmage
President John Taylor
Elder Harold B. Lee
Elder Joseph F. Smith
L. Tom Perry
Robert D. Hales
David B. Haight
Robert D. Hales
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
Joseph Smith

James E. Talmage

While Jesus with the Twelve still sat at table, He took a loaf or cake of bread, and having reverently given thanks and by blessing sanctified it, He gave a portion to each of the apostles, saying: "Take, eat; this is my body"; or, according to the more extended account, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Then, taking a cup of wine, He gave thanks and blessed it, and gave it unto them with the command: "Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." In this simple but impressive manner was instituted the ordinance, since known as the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The bread and wine, duly consecrated by prayer, become emblems of the Lord's body and blood, to be eaten and drunk reverently, and in remembrance of Him. JTC:596-97

President John Taylor

Previous to the offering up of Himself, as the great expiatory sacrifice, having fulfilled the law and made it honorable, and having introduced the Gospel, He met with his disciples, as already noticed, to eat the Passover. He then told them, "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer." To eat what with you? The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Thus He [ate] both, for the two ceremonies centered in Him, He was the embodiment of both, He was the Being provided before the foundation of the earth, and prophesied of by men of God throughout all the preceding ages; and also on account of whom the sacrifices were offered up by all the servants of the Lord, from the fall of Adam to that time; and all the various atonements heretofore offered pointed to Him, for whom they were all made and in whom they all centered. (The Mediation and Atonement, p. 125) TLDP:584

Elder Harold B. Lee

By the partaking of the sacrament you are participating in one of the most sacred ordinances of the Church. It has a similar significance to us today that the sacrifice of burnt offerings, given to Adam, had to the saints before the advent of the Savior upon the earth. When the sacrifice of burnt offerings was first given it was for the purpose of reminding Adam of the great atoning sacrifice of the Son of God that should transpire in the meridian of time, by which Adam and his posterity might be loosed from the bonds of death and if they were faithful to the gospel plan might partake of eternal life with our Heavenly Father in his kingdom. With the sacrifice of Jesus, by which he, "the just" suffered for "the unjust," the sacrifice of burnt offerings, as it had been observed up to that time, was fulfilled (3 Nephi 9:19-20. In its place he instituted at the time of the Last Supper, before his crucifixion, the holy sacrament, by which the meaning of his great atoning sacrifice would be had in everlasting remembrance. The purpose and meaning of the sacrament and the seriousness that should accompany your partaking of it is clearly set forth in the Master's words as understood by the Apostle Paul: "This do ye . . . in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." (1 Corinthians 11:25-30) All this is done for the one divine purpose, as declared by the Lord, "that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world." (D&C 59:9) (Decisions for Successful Living, pp. 146-47) TLDP:584

Elder Joseph F. Smith

When Jesus came and suffered, "the just for the unjust," . . . the law of sacrifice was fulfilled, and in the stead thereof he gave another law, which we call the "Sacrament of the Lord's Supper," by which his life and mission, his death and resurrection, the great sacrifice he had offered for the redemption of man, should be kept in everlasting remembrance. . . . Therefore, this law is to us, what the law of sacrifice was to those who lived prior to the first coming of the Son of Man, until He shall come again. Therefore, we must honor and keep it sacredly. (In 13th Ward, Feb. 9, 1873, JD15:324) TLDP:584

L. Tom Perry

From that day down until the time of our Savior, Heavenly Father's children were commanded to offer sacrifices. It was discontinued with the Savior's atoning sacrifice. Then, the night before He completed that sacrifice, the Savior instituted the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to help us remember Him and the Atonement He made for all mankind. Thus, in the ancient law of sacrifice and in the sacrament, the Lord has helped us be certain that we do not forget His promises and the requirement that we follow Him and obey His will. (As Now We Take the Sacrament, CR April 2006)

Robert D. Hales

Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us. (CR 2000Oct; The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom, Ensign, November 2000, p.6)

David B. Haight

During the administration and passing of the sacrament those present have the opportunity to think of the precious gifts available through His sacrifice for each of us, for the sacrament is blessed and sanctified that each may partake of it in remembrance of the Son of God. (See D&C 20:77.) (CR 1983Apr; The Sacrament, Ensign, May 1983, p.12)

Robert D. Hales

You young deacons, teachers, and priests: Are you worthy to officiate in the preparation, passing, and blessing of the sacrament? These are sacred responsibilities. The bread and water are emblems of our Savior’s flesh and blood; they represent His atoning sacrifice. (CR 1996Apr; “If Thou Wilt Enter into Life, Keep the Commandments”, Ensign, May 1996, p.35)

Related Witnesses:

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.
2. And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.
3. And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.
4. And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5. And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
6. And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
7. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
8. And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
9. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10. And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.
11. And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. (The resurrected Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 18:1-11

Jesus,
recorded in Luke

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Jesus institutes the sacrament with the Twelve at the feast of the Passover) Luke 22:19-20

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Jesus keeps the Passover with the Twelve and institutes the sacrament at the Last Supper) Matthew 26:26-28

Joseph Smith

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus; (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:75

696. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is an ordinance of the gospel.

Jesus
David B. Haight
Bruce R. McConkie
President Wilford Woodruff
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus,
quoted by Joseph Smith,

translating Mark
And as oft as ye do this ordinance, ye will remember me in this hour that I was with you and drank with you of this cup, even the last time in my ministry. (Jesus keeps the Passover with the Twelve and institutes the sacrament at the Last Supper) JST Mark 14:24

David B. Haight

The weekly opportunity of partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is one of the most sacred ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is further indication of His love for all of us. Associated with the partaking of the sacrament are principles that are fundamental to man's advancement and exaltation in the kingdom of God and the shaping of one's spiritual character. CR1983Apr:16-17

Bruce R. McConkie

To keep his saints in constant remembrance of their obligation to accept and obey him—or in other words, to eat his flesh and drink his blood—the Lord has given them the sacramental ordinance. This ordinance, performed in remembrance of his broken flesh and spilled blood, is the means provided for men, formally and repeatedly, to assert their belief in the divinity of Christ, and to affirm their determination to serve him and keep his commandments; or, in other words, in this ordinance—in a spiritual, but not a literal sense—men eat his flesh and drink his blood. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:358) DGSM:54

President Wilford Woodruff

No man or woman should eat the bread and drink of the cup at the Sacrament who entertains hard feelings against any of his or her brethren and sisters. They should be taught the importance of settling all their difficulties and removing all causes of ill-feeling, so that no condemnation will rest upon them for partaking of this holy ordinance unworthily. (Letter of the First Presidency to the president and counselors of the St. George Stake, Utah, April 1888) MOFP3:164

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

To meet together often for this purpose [partaking of the sacrament] is a requirement made of members of the Church, which is just as binding upon them in its observance as the requirement in relation to any other principle or ordinance of the gospel. No member of the Church who refuses to observe this sacred ordinance can retain the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:338) DGSM:54

697. In partaking of the sacrament we renew solemn covenants made with the Lord.

N. Eldon Tanner
Delbert L. Stapley
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President David O. McKay
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
James E. Faust
David B. Haight
David B. Haight
Joseph Smith
David B. Haight
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Bruce R. McConkie
Alma, the elder
Paul
Anthon H. Lund

N. Eldon Tanner

To pay a bill or a note is a pledge that is very important; to keep one's word in anything one says or agrees to do is a pledge. When one joins the Church, he pledges certain things as he goes into the waters of baptism. When accepting the priesthood, we make a very definite covenant with the Lord. When partaking of the sacrament, we renew our covenants. Notice that I am using covenants, promises, and pledges interchangeably. CR1966Oct:98

Delbert L. Stapley

[About] covenants: (1) The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is a covenant between God and his people. (2) When baptized by an authorized servant of God, we covenant to do God's will and to obey his commandments. (3) By partaking of the Sacrament we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord and pledge ourselves to take upon us the name of his Son, to always remember him and keep his commandments. (4) There is an oath and covenant which belongs to the priesthood wherein men receiving this holy power pledge themselves faithfully to keep all the commandments of God and to magnify their callings in the priesthood, which is God's gift of his power and authority unto them. (5) In connection with all ordinances pertaining to the temples of our God, men and women accept covenants and obligations which relate to the endowment and to the eternity of the marriage and family relationship. All these doctrines and more are necessary and vital to the salvation, exaltation and eternal happiness of God's children. CR1965Oct:14

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Each member of the Church should have in mind the three great covenants that are made by partaking of these tokens, which are:
First: That they are willing to take upon them the name of the Son.
Second: That they will always remember him.
Third: That they will keep his commandments, which he has given them.
How do we take upon us the name of the Son? The Church is called by his name, and we are to remember that by partaking of the sacrament, we acknowledge his hand in our redemption from death, which is the gift to all men, and in the remission of our individual sins which comes through our obedience in keeping his commandments.
King Benjamin has given us an excellent understanding of what is meant by taking upon us the name of the Son. Because of the covenant we make, we are spiritually begotten sons and daughters of Jesus Christ. We become his sons and daughters, because he has redeemed us and given us life, thus defeating the power of the grave. [See Mosiah 5:8-12]
To "always remember him" does not mean simply to remember that he was crucified; but to keep in mind constantly the reasons why, and what blessings have come to each of us through his death and resurrection. We are to remember the great suffering and what it cost him to make the great atonement. We are to remember that he did it because of his love, not only for those who believe on him, but also for the whole world. . . .
The third thing to remember is that we covenant to keep his commandments. How can a member of the Church partake of the sacrament and renew these covenants, and then go forth from this sacred assembly, and deliberately break any of the divine commandments In doing such a thing we bring condemnation to our souls. Far better for members of the Church never to partake of these emblems, thus renewing these three covenants, than to partake of them and then go forth to commit sin. It is, however, a solemn commandment from the Lord, that we do partake of the sacrament. Those who repeatedly and constantly disregard this commandment and remain away from this sacrament meeting, will lose the Spirit of the Lord, for his Spirit will not dwell in those who fail to renew these covenants in a consistent manner. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:3-5) TLDP:585

President David O. McKay

My brethren and sisters, do we always stop to think, on that sacred Sabbath day when we meet together to partake of the sacrament, that we witness, promise, obligate ourselves, in the presence of one another, and in the presence of God, that we will do certain things? Note them.
The first: We are willing to take upon ourselves the name of the Son. In doing so we choose him as our leader and our ideal; and he is the one perfect character in all the world.
The second: That we will always remember him. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, in our daily acts, in our self-control. When our brother hurts us, we are going to try to master our feelings and not retaliate in the same spirit of anger. When a brother treats us with contempt, we are going to try to return kindness. That's the spirit of the Christ, and that's what we have promised—that we will do our best to achieve these high standards of Christian principles.
The third: We promised to " . . . keep his commandments which he has given . . ."—tithing, fast offerings, the Word of Wisdom, kindness, forgiveness, love. The obligation of a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is great, because obedience to these principles gives life, eternal life. CR1929Oct:14

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Before the Meridian of Time and the birth of the Messiah, mankind looked forward thereto. Before that, all of the rituals pertaining to the gospel looked to the Messiah, to his birth. . . . Since that time, we honor him, and our ritual, the sacrament, relates back to that time. We make covenants when we partake of the sacrament. CR1953Oct:39

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

I have often wondered if we fully realize the significance and importance of the covenants we make in partaking of these emblems in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is our duty carefully and thoughtfully to consider the nature of these prayers, when we hear them offered in our meetings. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:344-45) DGSM:53

James E. Faust

I'm sure you remember how excited you were the first time you passed the sacrament. As you Aaronic Priesthood holders assist in preparing, blessing, administering, and passing the sacrament, you help all members who partake thereof to recommit themselves to the Lord and to renew their faith in the Savior's atoning sacrifice. Members who take the sacrament are reminded to take upon themselves the name of the Son, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and seek to have His Spirit to be with them. (A Royal Priesthood, CR April 2006)

David B. Haight

As we partake of the sacrament and reflect upon His sacrifice for each of us, we make a solemn commitment to keep the commandments which He has given us, that by so doing we might always have His spirit to be with us. By partaking of the sacrament each Sunday we receive the encouragement and strength to keep the commandments of God, to live uprightly, virtuously, and honestly. Did not Jesus Himself sum them all up as follows: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Luke 10:27.) (CR 1983Apr; The Sacrament, Ensign, May 1983, p.12)

David B. Haight

Worthy partakers of the sacrament are in harmony with the Lord and put themselves under covenant with Him to always remember His sacrifice for the sins of the world, to take upon them the name of Christ and to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. The Savior covenants that we who do so shall have His spirit to be with us and that, if faithful to the end, we may inherit eternal life. (CR 1989Oct; The Sacrament—and the Sacrifice, Ensign, November 1989, p.59)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. . . .
79. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government; the sacramental prayers are given, April 1830) D&C 20:77,79

David B. Haight

The weekly opportunity of partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is one of the most sacred ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is further indication of His love for all of us. Associated with the partaking of the sacrament are principles that are fundamental to man's advancement and exaltation in the kingdom of God and the shaping of one's spiritual character. We should reflect in our own weekday conduct the spiritual renewal and commitments made on Sunday. . . .
We all have regrets for words or deeds or thoughts from Sabbath to Sabbath that we should like to erase from our souls. Perhaps we have erred against someone or injured them; or, if there is ill feeling in our heart, we should repent, obtain forgiveness from those affected or transgressed against, then humbly, with a contrite spirit, prepare ourselves to be worthy to partake of the sacrament. . . .
By partaking of the sacrament each Sunday we receive the encouragement and strength to keep the commandments of God, to live uprightly, virtuously, and honestly. . . .
The sacrament is one ordinance that allows us to experience a personal relationship to God and enlarges our knowledge and understanding of Him and His Only Begotten Son.
Our personal reward for compliance with the covenants and obligations in the ordinance of the sacrament becomes the companionship of God's Holy Spirit. This is the light that leads to eternal life. CR1993Apr:16-17

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The Savior emphasized that the tangible bread and water of the Sacrament were to remind us continually of the sacrifice he made for us and for renewal of our covenants of righteousness. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 220) DGSM:53

Bruce R. McConkie

When they [who have been baptized] thereafter partake worthily of the sacrament, they renew the covenant made in the waters of baptism. The two covenants are the same. (The Promised Messiah, p. 386) DGSM:54

Alma, the elder,
quoted by Mormon

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? (Alma organizes the Church of Christ and performs baptisms, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 18:10

Paul

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

Anthon H. Lund

The institution of the Lord's supper is strong evidence of the divinity and foreknowledge of the Savior, and what could be more impressive and powerful to call to mind the sublime sacrifice he made than that of partaking of broken bread to remember his body; and drinking from the cup to remember his blood that was shed for all for the remission of sins? Jesus knew that abstract teaching might easily be forgotten, that men would remember the concrete better, and hence many of his excellent lessons were given in parables, and that this, the greatest event, might be vividly impressed on all, he gave this glorious ordinance in a tangible form, to look at and partake of. CR1916Oct:13

698. The Lord promises that those who partake of the sacrament worthily will have His spirit to be with them.

Bruce R. McConkie
Elder George Albert Smith
Melvin J. Ballard
Jesus
Robert D. Hales
Joseph Smith
Jesus
Joseph Smith

Bruce R. McConkie

When we partake worthily of the sacrament ordinance we renew the covenant made in the waters of baptism. Once again we covenant to remember and rely upon the atoning sacrifice of Christ, to take his name upon us, and to keep his commandment. He in turn promises us that we shall always have his Spirit to be with us and that we shall have eternal life in his Father's kingdom. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 385-86) TLDP:585-86

Elder George Albert Smith

Before partaking of this sacrament, our hearts should be pure; our hands should be clean; we should be divested of all enmity toward our associates; we should be at peace with our fellow men; and we should have in our hearts a desire to do the will of our Father and to keep all of His commandments. If we do this, partaking of the sacrament will be a blessing to us and will renew our spiritual strength. CR1908Apr:35

Melvin J. Ballard,
quoted by David B. Haight

Some years ago, Elder Melvin J. Ballard wrote:
"I am a witness that there is a spirit attending the administration of the sacrament that warms the soul from head to foot; you feel the wounds of the spirit being healed, and the load is lifted. Comfort and happiness come to the soul that is worthy and truly desirous of partaking of this spiritual food." CR1983Apr:16

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name. 6. And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you. 7. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. 8. And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it. 9. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10. And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you. 11. And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. (The resurrected Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 18:5-11

Robert D. Hales

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And he said unto them: He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.
9. Now, when the multitude had all eaten and drunk, behold, they were filled with the Spirit; and they did cry out with one voice, and gave glory to Jesus, whom they both saw and heard. (The resurrected Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament) 3 Nephi 20:8-9

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. (Revelation, April 26, 1832) D&C 82:10

699. Liquids other than wine and food other than bread may be used as emblems in the observance of the sacrament.

Joseph Smith
President Brigham Young
James E. Talmage
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.
3. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies; (Revelation to Joseph through a heavenly messenger, Aug. 1830) D&C 27:2-3

President Brigham Young

The Lord has said to us it mattereth not what we partake of when we administer the sup to the people, inasmuch as we do it with an eye single to the glory of God; it is then acceptable to him. Consequently we use water as though it were wine; for we are commanded to drink not of wine for this sacred purpose except it be made by our own hands. (At Brigham City, Utah, Aug. 19, 1877, JD19:92) TLDP:587-88

James E. Talmage

In instituting the sacrament among both the Jews and the Nephites, Christ used bread and wine as the emblems of His body and blood; and in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, He has revealed His will that the saints meet together often to partake of bread and wine in this commemorative ordinance. But He has also shown that other forms of food and drink may be used in place of bread and wine. Soon after the Church had been organized in the present dispensation, the Prophet Joseph Smith was about to purchase wine for sacramental purposes, when a messenger from God met him and delivered the following instructions: "For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies; Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth." Upon this authority, the Latter-day Saints administer water in their sacramental service, in preference to wine. AF:159

Related Witnesses:

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

In the present dispensation, at the time of the organization of the Church, the Lord said: "It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus." Then follow the exact words which are to be used in blessing the bread and the wine, or water, which by revelation has been substituted for wine. [D&C 20:75] (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:338) TLDP:588

700. The bread of the sacrament is a symbol of the Savior's broken flesh; the wine is a symbol of His spilled blood: the bread is not the actual flesh of Christ, the wine is not His actual blood.

Elder George Albert Smith
Anthon H. Lund
Bruce R. McConkie
Jesus
Robert D. Hales
James E. Faust
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
Bruce R. McConkie

Elder George Albert Smith

We believe that the sacrament is not the literal body and blood of our Lord; in other words, we do not believe in the doctrine of Transubstantiation. CR1908Apr:36

Anthon H. Lund

A great number of Christian sects and denominations claim that this [Matthew 26:26,28] did not signify that the bread and wine were emblems, but that we partake really of his flesh and blood, in the administration of the sacrament.
Transubstantiation means that the bread changes by the blessing into his flesh, and the wine into his blood. This is not our opinion. We believe that the bread and wine are simply emblems of his body and blood. If we could imagine ourselves in that sacred room where he and his disciples were having the last evening together, where they partook of the paschal meal, and where he instituted this holy ordinance, we should see him then standing before the disciples, saying to them of the bread, "This is my body," and of the contents of the cup, "This is my blood," and yet we should see him standing in the full vigor of health and the blood circulating in his veins. It was not his blood in the cup, for he calls it at the very same time, "this fruit of the vine." It was wine he gave unto them, but it represented his blood that was to be shed for the remission of sins. CR1916Oct:13

Bruce R. McConkie

Jesus,
quoted by Joseph Smith,

translating Mark
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, and eat.
21. Behold, this is for you to do in remembrance of my body; for as oft as ye do this ye will remember this hour that I was with you.
22. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
23. And he said unto them, This is in remembrance of my blood which is shed for many, and the new testament which I give unto you; for of me ye shall bear record unto all the world.
24. And as oft as ye do this ordinance, ye will remember me in this hour that I was with you and drank with you of this cup, even the last time in my ministry.
25. Verily I say unto you, Of this ye shall bear record; for I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine with you, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. (Jesus keeps the Passover with the Twelve and institutes the sacrament at the Last Supper) JST Mark 14:20-25

Robert D. Hales

James E. Faust

We are commanded to remember the singular events of the mediation, Crucifixion, and the Atonement by partaking of the sacrament weekly. In the spirit of the sacramental prayers, we partake of the bread and water in remembrance of the body and the blood sacrificed for us, and we are to remember Him and keep His commandments so that we may always have His Spirit to be with us. (CR 2001Oct; The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope, Ensign, November 2001, p.18)

Related Witnesses:

Jesus,
quoted by Joseph Smith,

translating Matthew
For this is in remembrance of my blood of the new testament, which is shed for as many as shall believe on my name, for the remission of their sins. (Jesus keeps the Passover with the Twelve and institutes the sacrament at the Last Supper) JST Matthew 26:24

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

Jesus,
quoted by John

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (After Jesus fed the five thousand, the people came to Jesus and he taught them the difference between physical and spiritual food) John 6:35

Jesus,
quoted by John

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (Jesus teaches the woman of Samaria at Jacob 's well) John 4:10

Bruce R. McConkie

Jesus, celebrating the Feast of the Passover, thus dignifying and fulfilling the law to the full, initiated the sacrament of the Lord's supper. Sacrifice stopped and sacrament started. It was the end of the old era, the beginning of the new. Sacrifice looked forward to the shed blood and bruised flesh of the Lamb of God. The sacrament was to be in remembrance of his spilt blood and broken flesh, the emblems, bread and wine, typifying such as completely as had the shedding of the blood of animals in their days. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:719-20) DGSM:54-55

Author's Note: It is interesting to observe that in January, 1932, the First Presidency published the following as part of "Details About the Sacrament:"
In the administration of this sacred ordinance, it is desirable that the bread provided should be in medium slices, and it should be broken in fair-sized pieces. It is, of course, desirable to avoid having a large surplus of broken bread on hand. (MOFP5:307.)

701. The Lord has designated those who may officiate in the administration of the sacrament.

Elder George Albert Smith
Jesus
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith

Elder George Albert Smith

The Lord has indicated the importance of the sacrament in another way. There are certain of the Priesthood who are not permitted to officiate in this ordinance. The Deacon or Teacher may not administer the sacrament, and those who bear no Priesthood, cannot act in this capacity. The Lord has certainly emphasized its importance by designating those who may officiate. . . . We should partake of it in humility, with preparation of clean hands and pure hearts, and with a desire to be acceptable to our Father; then we will receive it worthily, and rejoice in the blessing that comes to us by reason of it. CR1908Apr:36

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

Joseph Smith

And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it. . . . (Revelation on Church Organization and Government; instructions regarding the sacrament, April 1830) D&C 20:76

Joseph Smith

The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament, . . . (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:46

702. The Lord has established the words to be used for the blessing of the emblems of the sacrament.

Elder David O. McKay
Elder George Albert Smith
Joseph Smith
Moroni, son of Mormon
Moroni, son of Mormon

Elder David O. McKay

He has prescribed for us only a few set prayers, one of which is the blessing on the bread and water. CR1929Oct:11

Elder George Albert Smith

I admonish you, my brethren, that when we officiate in administering the sacrament, we repeat, if possible, the exact words given by revelation, and that we do so with the Spirit of the Lord. CR1908Apr:37

Joseph Smith

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;
76. And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:
77. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
78. The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say:
79. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; sacramental prayers are given) D&C 20:75-79

Moroni, son of Mormon

The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it—
2. And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying:
3. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (Moroni records the prayer for the sacramental bread, A.D. 400-42) Moroni 4:1-3

Moroni, son of Mormon

The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:
2. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (Moroni records the prayer for the sacramental wine, A.D. 400-42) Moroni 5:1-2

Author's Note: Aside from the temple ordinances, the Lord has designated only three set prayers which are to be repeated word for word: the sacrament prayer over the bread, the sacrament prayer over the water, and the baptismal prayer.

703. The sacrament is for those who believe in Christ and have been baptized, namely, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Spencer W. Kimball
James E. Talmage
Jesus
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The sacrament is for the saints, for those who have actually made covenants at the waters of baptism. . . .
If a person, not a member of the Church, is in the congregation, we do not forbid him partaking of it, but would properly advise that the sacrament is for the renewing of covenants. And, since he has not made the true covenant of baptism or temple covenant, he is exempt. However, his partaking of the sacrament if he is clean and worthy and devout would not bring upon him any condemnation as it would for those who have made solemn covenants and then have ignored or defiled them. (Letter, May 1963) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 226-27) DGSM:55

James E. Talmage

There is an absence of scriptural sanction for giving the sacrament to any who are not members in full fellowship in the Church of Jesus Christ. Christ administered the ordinance on the eastern continent to the apostles; and we have record of their giving it to those only who had assumed the name of Christ. Amongst His western fold, Christ established the law that only the actual members of His Church should partake. In promising to ordain one among them with power to officiate in the sacrament, the Savior specified that the one so chosen should give it unto the people of His Church, unto all those who believed and were baptized in His name. Only those who had been so baptized were called the Church of Christ. Continuing His instructions to the disciples concerning the sacrament, the Savior said: "This shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name." AF:158

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5. And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name. (The resurrected Christ instructs the twelve disciples in observance of the sacrament, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 18:4-5

Related Witnesses:

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Contrary to the expressed opinion of some who think that the partaking of the sacrament at such an early age "detracts from its meaning," we sincerely proclaim that the permitting of small children to partake when it is explained to them acts upon their minds exactly to the contrary. Perhaps some of us fail to comprehend the depth of a small child's mind. Surely little children in the Primary class can understand that the sacrament is a sacred ordinance when they are carefully taught. Then again we may say, even if they are too small to comprehend, the practice is teaching them that it is a sacred ordinance, and this will eventually bear fruit. It seems that a child in the kindergarten class is surely capable of realizing that the sacrament is a special privilege, having relationship to the sacrifice of our Redeemer on the cross. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5:67) TLDP:588

704. Before partaking of the sacrament we are to examine ourselves to determine that we are worthy.

Elder George Albert Smith
Joseph Smith
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Paul
President Wilford Woodruff
Francis M. Lyman
Robert D. Hales
Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Elder George Albert Smith

Before partaking of this sacrament, our hearts should be pure; our hands should be clean; we should be divested of all enmity toward our associates; we should be at peace with our fellow men; and we should have in our hearts a desire to do the will of our father and to keep all of His commandments. If we do this, partaking of the sacrament will be a blessing to us and will renew our spiritual strength. CR1908Apr:35

Joseph Smith

How long do you suppose a man may partake of this ordinance unworthily, and the Lord not withdraw His Spirit from him? How long will he thus trifle with sacred things, and the Lord not give him over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption The Church should know if they are unworthy from time to time to partake, lest the servants of God be forbidden to administer it. Therefore our hearts ought to be humble, and we to repent of our sins, and put away evil from among us. (Remarks to newly baptized members of the Church prior to their partaking of the sacrament) HC2:204; DGSM:55

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

And every time we take the bread and water, there should be a reconsecration, a rededication. When we are not living the commandments, when we are in transgression, when we have angers and hatreds and bitterness, we should consider seriously if we should take the sacrament. (To seminary and institute teachers, 1962) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 225) TLDP:586

Paul

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

President Wilford Woodruff,

in behalf of the Council of the Apostles
No man or woman should eat the bread and drink of the cup at the Sacrament who entertains hard feelings against any of his or her brethren and sisters. They should be taught the importance of settling all their difficulties and removing all causes of ill-feeling, so that no condemnation will rest upon them for partaking of this holy ordinance unworthily. By paying strict attention to this, the Wards will be kept in a healthy condition, the Spirit of the Lord will flow freely to the people, and the blessings of heaven will be upon them. (Letter to the presidency of the St. George Utah Stake, April 1888) MOFP3:164; TLDP:587

Francis M. Lyman

It is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord, for us to partake of the sacrament if there be hard feelings in our hearts, if there be jealousness, if there be enmity or strife, if we are not in fellowship with the Church, if we are not keeping the commandments of the Lord, if we are not living in peace, if we are not obedient to the counsels of heaven; I say that it is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord to partake of the sacrament under such circumstances. (In Assembly Hall, Feb. 24, 1884, JD25:61) TLDP:587

Robert D. Hales

Therefore, for all who come unto Christ and take His name upon them through baptism, there is great responsibility to be worthy to participate weekly in the sacrament in order that they may renew their baptismal covenant, take His name upon them, renew their promise to keep all of His commandments, remember Him, know Him, and comprehend His greatness. (CR 1997Oct; In Remembrance of Jesus, Ensign, November 1997, p.24)

Related Witnesses:

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

However, his [a non-member's] partaking of the sacrament if he is clean and worthy and devout would not bring upon him any condemnation as it would for those who have made solemn covenants and then have ignored or defiled them. (Letter, May 1963) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 227) DGSM:55

705. Although unworthy persons should not take the sacrament, they are not to be removed from Church services, rather they are to be loved and cared for.

James E. Talmage
Joseph Smith
Jesus
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Parley P. Pratt

James E. Talmage

The direct word of the Lord unto the saints in this dispensation instructs them to permit no one in transgression to partake of the sacrament until reconciliation has been made; nevertheless the saints are commanded to exercise abundant charity toward their erring fellows, not casting them out from the assemblies yet withholding the sacrament from them.
In our system of Church organization the local ecclesiastical officers are charged with the responsibility of administering the sacrament, and the people are required to keep themselves worthy to partake of the sacred emblems. AF:157-58

Joseph Smith

Ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation. (Revelation relative to governing and conducting meetings, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:4

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it;
29. For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul; therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood ye shall forbid him.
30. Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name; and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in my name, then shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood. (The resurrected Christ instructs his twelve disciples in observance of the sacrament, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 18:28-30

Related Witnesses:

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

HYMNS Written by Prophets Applicable to this Topic

Parley P. Pratt

Father in Heaven, We Do Believe
HYMNS:180
Father in Heav'n, we do believe
The promise thou hast made;
Thy word with meekness we receive,
Just as thy Saints have said.
We now repent of all our sin
And come with broken heart,
And to thy covenant enter in
And choose the better part.
O Lord, accept us while we pray,
And all our sins forgive;
New life impart to us this day,
And bid the sinners live.
Humbly we take the sacrament
In Jesus' blessed name;
Let us receive thru covenant
The Spirit's heav'nly flame.
We will be buried in the stream
In Jesus' blessed name,
And rise, while light shall on us beam
The Spirit's heav'nly flame.
Baptize us with the Holy Ghost
And seal us as thine own,
That we may join the ransomed host
And with the Saints be one.

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Monday, December 16, 2013

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

695. Jesus instituted the sacrament as the symbol of His atoning sacrifice.

Related Witnesses:

696. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is an ordinance of the gospel.

697. In partaking of the sacrament we renew solemn covenants made with the Lord.

698. The Lord promises that those who partake of the sacrament worthily will have His spirit to be with them.

Related Witnesses:

699. Liquids other than wine and food other than bread may be used as emblems in the observance of the sacrament.

Related Witnesses:

700. The bread of the sacrament is a symbol of the Savior's broken flesh; the wine is a symbol of His spilled blood: the bread is not the actual flesh of Christ, the wine is not His actual blood.

Related Witnesses:

701. The Lord has designated those who may officiate in the administration of the sacrament.

702. The Lord has established the words to be used for the blessing of the emblems of the sacrament.

703. The sacrament is for those who believe in Christ and have been baptized, namely, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Related Witnesses:

704. Before partaking of the sacrament we are to examine ourselves to determine that we are worthy.

Related Witnesses:

705. Although unworthy persons should not take the sacrament, they are not to be removed from Church services, rather they are to be loved and cared for.