Sacrament

[marshac]

So i've plowed through the BoM, and i'm now on D&C. I'm not yet a member, but today I got through D&C 20 and had a question-

68 The duty of the members after they are received by baptism.—The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the ehands of the elders, so that all things may be done in order.

I'm not a member of the church (yet)- and this seems fairly clear that I should not partake of the sacrement. I had been since the elders said "sure", but it appears that I shouldn't.

Is this interpretation correct?

[Palerider]

So i've plowed through the BoM, and i'm now on D&C. I'm not yet a member, but today I got through D&C 20 and had a question-

I'm not a member of the church (yet)- and this seems fairly clear that I should not partake of the sacrement. I had been since the elders said "sure", but it appears that I shouldn't.

Is this interpretation correct?

If you are indeed planning on being a member....I would start partaking just to get into the habit and to gain an understanding of what you are doing.....just my opinion.....

[LittleWyvern]

Well, you can take it, but it doesn't really count, per se. The sacrament renews baptismal covenants, so if you haven't been baptized taking the sacrament does nothing for you. So, there's no real reason for you to take the sacrament, but if it makes you feel more a part of the community/congregation, I don't see how anybody would object.

[john doe]

I believe Wyvern is correct on this one. Sacrament is a renewal of the baptismal covenant. If you haven't been baptized yet, it has no effect other than you signify that you agree with the sacramental prayers. The greater sin comes to those who have been baptized and take the sacrament unworthily and unrepentant.

Bottom line: I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you are told specifically not to partake.

[marshac]

Thanks.

Palerider- they don't leave tomorrow until we've "set a date"....

[Palerider]

Thanks.

Palerider- they don't leave tomorrow until we've "set a date"....

thats great news.......:)

[tubaloth]

But there will be a gap between the time you are baptized and before you get the gift of the Holy Ghost (usually a week).

Just expect this to happen, and now you know why its happening.

[Maxel]

You could use the opportunity to take sacrament before you're baptized to learn to emulate the spirit in which you should take it. Although you're not baptized yet, the sacrament is also a time to reflect on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which does in fact affect you right now. Afterward, the sacrament will be that much more sacred because it will be the renewal of the covenant you made at baptism.

[Iggy]

But there will be a gap between the time you are baptized and before you get the gift of the Holy Ghost (usually a week).

Just expect this to happen, and now you know why its happening.

Not in all places. Everywhere I have been the baptizee is confirmed right after baptism (after they change into dry clothes). Once the confirmation was the next day in Sacrament- the baptizee wanted a specific Priesthood holder to do the confirming and he wouldn't be there until Sunday.

[Moksha]

Is this interpretation correct?

I wouldn't worry about it. I partake of the Sacrament even though I barely had time to take a shower and rush out the door first.

Consider your expounding on all things something you do on these forums.

Relax, for the Gospel is for everyone.

[Guest tomk]

I don't know the Church's official position -- but I know that what matters is the heart of the individual.

Taking the Sacrament is a renewal of covenants already made at baptism. So if you have not been baptised ... kinda hard to renew those covenants.

We let little children take it, because, for them, it mattereth not. If they die they go straight to the Celestial Kingdom. The Atonement covers them.

[Justice]

The Church's position is that sacrament is only intended to renew baptismal covenants. But, if an investigator feels a need to repent and change there is no harm in taking the sacrament, and they are invited to do so. Parents can also allow children who have not been baptized to partake for many obvious reasons.

[Just_A_Guy]

I know the practice is that there's no problem with non-Members taking the Sacrament; but in the absence of an authoritative statement I would personally stick to the text of D&C 20 and, assuming I were not yet a member, abstain.

But, I don't think you're going to suffer eternal punishment or anything if you follow the counsel that has been given here.

Even though you're not baptized yet, you can still receive answers to your questions by the Power of the Holy Ghost. This might be something to consider taking to the Lord in prayer.

[marshac]

thats great news.......:)

3/21 @ 7pm

[Palerider]

we will all keep you in our prayers......awesome news....:)

[Vort]

I'm not a member of the church (yet)- and this seems fairly clear that I should not partake of the sacrement. I had been since the elders said "sure", but it appears that I shouldn't.

Is this interpretation correct?

Yes. The sacrament is an ordinance for baptized members, not for anyone else.

However, current practice is that anyone who wishes to partake may do so. It is understood that those not under the covenant, including little children and all unbaptized persons, are merely eating bread and drinking water, without any deeper meaning.

I am sure the missionaries told you to go ahead because they did not want to cause needless offense. It doesn't hurt anything for you to take the sacrament, but since you now have a bit deeper understanding of its significance, you may choose to skip it until you have actually made the covenant and the sacrament has meaning as applied to you individually.

And congratulations! Wonderful news about your upcoming baptism!