By Eric Kotter, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon“). A student at BYU-Idaho studying communications, and freelance writer.
When Jesus Christ was on the earth He gave bread and wine to His twelve apostles and said, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20).
Holy Communion: A Symbol of Jesus Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”) I participate each week during worship services in an ordinance called the sacrament. The sacrament is similar to Holy Communion which many other faiths participate in. One difference between the Holy Communion that Mormons participate in, and Catholic Communion, is that we do not believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, which is a belief that the bread and wine literally turn into the blood and body of Jesus Christ as the person partakes. We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament, the bread and wine, to represent His body and blood, which were given to us as a sacrifice to lift the burden and judgments of our sins, trials and weaknesses as we follow Him. We partake of the sacrament as symbols of what He did for us. Partaking of the sacrament is a blessing Jesus Christ gave to His followers so they can renew their baptismal covenants to follow Him that they might become clean from their sins.
In the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of modern revelation given by God, the Lord gave us the purpose of the sacrament. The Lord said, “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:9).
Holy Communion: Renews Baptismal Covenants
An important part of the sacrament actually involves the ordinance of baptism. Jesus Christ commanded all of us to be baptized. Latter-day Saints believe in, “being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins” (Articles of Faith 1:4) by one holding the authority of the priesthood. The priesthood is the power and authority of God given to man to act in His name for the salvation of His children. The priesthood is conferred upon worthy male members of the Church so that they have the authority to baptize, bless the sacrament, and administer other Church ordinances. When I was baptized by my father, I made a covenant to follow the Lord and keep His commandments. I felt a wonderful spirit of being clean and feeling renewed through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. My sins were removed and cleansed.
Each week, I recommit myself to following the Savior and keeping His commandments by partaking of the sacrament. I renew the covenant I made at baptism, and I become clean again just as I did at baptism. Holy Communion reminds me of my priorities. It helps me take a look at myself and think about who I am and how I can better follow the Savior during the upcoming week. Since I can’t be re-baptized every week, it is a marvelous blessing to be able to be made clean again through partaking of the sacrament each week. Elder John H. Groberg, an emeritus (former holder of an office) Mormon leader, said:
Do you remember the feeling you had when you were baptized—that sweet, clean feeling of a pure soul, having been forgiven, washed clean through the merits of the Savior? If we partake of the sacrament worthily, we can feel that way regularly, for we renew that covenant, which includes his forgiveness.
Those who would deny themselves the blessing of the sacrament by not attending sacrament meeting or by not thinking of the Savior during the services surely must not understand the great opportunity to be forgiven, to have his Spirit to guide and comfort them! What more could anyone ask?
As we worthily partake of the sacrament, we will sense those things we need to improve in and receive the help and determination to do so. No matter what our problems, the sacrament always gives hope.
I’ve found that when I’m reverent and center my thoughts on Jesus Christ during the sacrament, I feel more fully the strength and significance that comes from the sacrament. I feel closer to His spirit. When I was a child I struggled to pay attention during sacrament meeting, just as many children would. I didn’t think it was possible to pay attention. I remember my Mom giving me loving counsel that I should think about Jesus Christ during the sacrament. Since then I’ve pondered my mother’s counsel, and have striven to keep my focus on the Savior during Holy Communion. This has greatly blessed my life, and given me a deeper appreciation for the sacrament.
Holy Communion: That We May Have the Holy Spirit
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a modern apostle of Jesus Christ, talks about an important blessing that comes from following the commandment to partake of the sacrament:
This is a commandment with a promise. By participating weekly and appropriately in the ordinance of the sacrament we qualify for the promise that we will “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (D&C 20:77). That Spirit is the foundation of our testimony. It testifies of the Father and the Son, brings all things to our remembrance, and leads us into truth. It is the compass to guide us on our path. This gift of the Holy Ghost, President Wilford Woodruff taught, “is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man.”
I testify that partaking of the sacrament weekly has greatly blessed my life. I feel closer to the Savior when partake of it. I feel a greater strength to do what is right, and my confidence to overcome my challenges increases. I know that without the sacrament, I would not be able to “more fully keep [myself] unspotted from the world.” I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us. He is the only way to salvation. I know that the original Church of Jesus Christ, has been restored to the earth so that we might partake fully in all the blessings that Jesus Christ has to give us.
Additional Resources:
Find a local church meetinghouse where you can worship.
Learn more about why Mormons practice sacrament (Holy Communion) at an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Learn more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
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