Doctrine and Covenants 20 teaches us about the relationship between grace and agency. Jesus Christ suffered so that we could be saved. We can choose to accept that gift (justification) and retain it over time (sanctification). Baptism enables us to accept it. The sacrament helps us retain it.
Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20
The Articles and Covenants of the Church (D&C 20) outline core doctrines and priesthood duties, drawing heavily from the Book of Mormon. Some passages are quoted directly, while others synthesize multiple passages to affirm core doctrines. By relying on the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery grounded the restored Church on Christ’s gospel.
“That They May Do It in Remembrance”
The sacrament gives us the opportunity to practice focusing our minds on what matters most. The prayers teach us what we should think about during that time: the Savior's atoning sacrifice and our own commitment to the basic duties of discipleship.
“O God…”
The expression "O God" is characteristic of the Old Testament, and particularly the book of Psalms. The few times it appears in the Book of Mormon, it conveys a special earnestness. So, it's fitting that the sacrament prayers would begin with those words.
The Spiritual Power of Remembering
Our brains are designed to forget. Every day, we forget far more than we remember. Our brains naturally select some knowledge for retention, but it is up to us to intentionally remember the most important things, especially the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Songs, Sermons, Lessons, and Prayers
Moroni and Paul both explained that church services ought to include a variety of content provided by a variety of people. As we share what we have to contribute and learn from others, under the guidance of the Spirit, we are all edified.
“This is My Body”
Jesus taught that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood. A year later, He gave His disciples bread and wine saying, "This is my body" and "This is my blood." During His visit to the American continent, He added that we eat and drink to our souls.
Spirit
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.Luke 24:39 Thousands of years before the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophet known as the brother of Jared saw and spoke with Him. After pointing out that He looked like a human being, Jesus explained: Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Clarify?
This is the fifth of six posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. So far, I have written about what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, and what it fulfills. Today, I will write about what it clarifies. As I wrote yesterday, the Book of... Continue Reading →
Where Did the Sacrament Prayers Come From?
The prayers offered over the sacramental bread and water were given by revelation to Joseph Smith in 1820 (Doctrine & Covenants 20:75-79). They are nearly (but not precisely) identical to the prayers offered in the ancient American church as recorded by Moroni (Moroni 4, 5). Moroni recorded those prayers in about 421 A.D. But much... Continue Reading →