Renewing Our Covenants At The Sacrament

[Duncan]

I have heard that when we partake of the sacrament we renew all of our covenants that we have made, like Temple, Baptism, etc. is that true or is it just the one we made at Baptism?

[TAO]

I'm not sure... here is this, though, to help.

In his writings on the doctrines of salvation, President Joseph Fielding Smith teaches that we partake of the sacrament as our part of commemorating the Savior’s death and sufferings for the redemption of the world. This ordinance was introduced so that we can renew our covenants to serve Him, to obey Him, and to always remember Him. President Smith adds: “We cannot retain the Spirit of the Lord if we do not consistently comply with this commandment” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:341).

Got it from this talk: http://lds.org/gener...query=sacrament

Best Wishes,

-TAO

Edited July 19, 2011 by TAO

[Calm]

lds.org specifies that it is the baptismal covenant that is renewed: http://lds.org/ldsor...0004d82620aRCRD

Through this ordinance, Church members renew the covenants they made with God when they were baptized.

I would suggest that as our understanding of and relationship with Christ grows over time (hopefully), that our sacramental covenants also grow and deepen in meaning and thus can take on a more expansive meaning to when we first entered the water. I find the article below worthwhile reading on this topic:

http://lds.org/ensign/1978/01/the-sacrament-and-covenant-making?lang=eng

Edited July 19, 2011 by calmoriah

[David T]

I view it as a pledge of allegiance.

[Bernard Gui]

I have heard that when we partake of the sacrament we renew all of our covenants that we have made, like Temple, Baptism, etc. is that true or is it just the one we made at Baptism?

Many LDS who take the sacrament have not made temple covenants. There is no instruction in the temple or the scriptures that links temple covenants with the sacrament, nor with any formal, informal, or regular "renewal" of the temple covenants.

Bernard

[Duncan]

lds.org specifies that it is the baptismal covenant that is renewed: http://lds.org/ldsor...0004d82620aRCRD

I would suggest that as our understanding of and relationship with Christ grows over time (hopefully), that our sacramental covenants also grow and deepen in meaning and thus can take on a more expansive meaning to when we first entered the water. I find the article below worthwhile reading on this topic:

http://lds.org/ensign/1978/01/the-sacrament-and-covenant-making?lang=eng

oh, that is a good one, and he is lawyer no less! Thanks!

[Duncan]

Many LDS who take the sacrament have not made temple covenants. There is no instruction in the temple or the scriptures that links temple covenants with the sacrament, nor with any formal, informal, or regular "renewal" of the temple covenants.

Bernard

excellent point!

[ChristKnight]

lds.org specifies that it is the baptismal covenant that is renewed: http://lds.org/ldsor...0004d82620aRCRD

I would suggest that as our understanding of and relationship with Christ grows over time (hopefully), that our sacramental covenants also grow and deepen in meaning and thus can take on a more expansive meaning to when we first entered the water. I find the article below worthwhile reading on this topic:

http://lds.org/ensign/1978/01/the-sacrament-and-covenant-making?lang=eng

Yes, this is my understanding as well (in Gospel Principles class on Sunday we actually discussed the Sacrament and this was part of that discussion, that through the Sacrament we renew our baptismal covenants.).

[Storm Rider]

I view it as a pledge of allegiance.

The Sacrament is far more than a pledge; it is the exchange of covenant between an individual and God.

[Darth_Bill]

I'm not sure as it has been such a long time but I don't remember making a covenant at baptism. The only thing that comes to mind is the interview but is there a pattern for that? I can think that is where a covenant is made and if it is thus considered as part of the ordinance, I'm fine with that.

I kind of have the same deal with the oath and covenant of the priesthood. Never told this in my interviews yet we are told this is the oath we agree to. Sorry, that wasn't made explicitly known to me and that may be the fault of my interviewers.

I'm absolutely happy with the sacrament being its own covenant. Why can't it be considered a stand alone ordinance?

[Storm Rider]

I'm not sure as it has been such a long time but I don't remember making a covenant at baptism. The only thing that comes to mind is the interview but is there a pattern for that? I can think that is where a covenant is made and if it is thus considered as part of the ordinance, I'm fine with that.

I kind of have the same deal with the oath and covenant of the priesthood. Never told this in my interviews yet we are told this is the oath we agree to. Sorry, that wasn't made explicitly known to me and that may be the fault of my interviewers.

I'm absolutely happy with the sacrament being its own covenant. Why can't it be considered a stand alone ordinance?

Darth, semantics can lead to confusion. The Sacrament, in many ways, can and should be viewed as a new opportunity to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus every week. In this manner, it can easily be seen as a stand-alone ordinance. However, it would be an incomplete way of looking at the Sacrament. Our baptism was the event where we took the name of Jesus upon ourselves, to follow him and to keep his commandments. Being able to renew those covenants is a significant weekly exercise. Each week it is a new opportunity to repent of sins, be washed in teh blood of the Atonement, and to begin anew to follow Christ.

[Darth_Bill]

Darth, semantics can lead to confusion. The Sacrament, in many ways, can and should be viewed as a new opportunity to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus every week. In this manner, it can easily be seen as a stand-alone ordinance. However, it would be an incomplete way of looking at the Sacrament. Our baptism was the event where we took the name of Jesus upon ourselves, to follow him and to keep his commandments. Being able to renew those covenants is a significant weekly exercise. Each week it is a new opportunity to repent of sins, be washed in teh blood of the Atonement, and to begin anew to follow Christ.

I understand that, but we don't make any kind of an oath in our normal sense of the word at baptism, do we? There is an interview and are we explicitly told that we are taking upon ourselves the Name of Christ? I ask this because I'm not sure. I know what I promised in the temple. I know what I promise in the sacrement. It is these implied things that I personally am curious about.

[alter idem]

I'm not sure as it has been such a long time but I don't remember making a covenant at baptism. The only thing that comes to mind is the interview but is there a pattern for that? I can think that is where a covenant is made and if it is thus considered as part of the ordinance, I'm fine with that.

I kind of have the same deal with the oath and covenant of the priesthood. Never told this in my interviews yet we are told this is the oath we agree to. Sorry, that wasn't made explicitly known to me and that may be the fault of my interviewers.

I'm absolutely happy with the sacrament being its own covenant. Why can't it be considered a stand alone ordinance?

It can't be considered a stand alone ordinance, because it isn't. An explanation of what the sacrament is for is found in the Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ, himself explained it to the Nephites--the sacrament was to be administered to those who had been baptized in his name;

..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. 3Ne 18:5

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. 3Ne 18:11

..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. 3Ne 18:30

The explanation of the covenant we enter at Baptism is found in this exchange between King Benjamin and his people;

And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of of our days..

..therefore he(King Benjamin) said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.

And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives. Mosiah 5:5-8

I understand that, but we don't make any kind of an oath in our normal sense of the word at baptism, do we? There is an interview and are we explicitly told that we are taking upon ourselves the Name of Christ? I ask this because I'm not sure. I know what I promised in the temple. I know what I promise in the sacrement. It is these implied things that I personally am curious about.

I don't know how long ago you were baptized, I was baptized a very long time ago so I don't remember much at all, but hopefully those who instructed you (your parents, missionaries, the Bishop) explained it. It is found in the scriptures and is covered explicitly in the 'Preach my gospel' manual on page 75:

When we are baptized and confirmed, we enter into a covenant that we will take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments.

After the scriptures I cited above, I think you can see that the ordinance of Baptism and the ordinance of the Sacrament are tied together.

Also, the last Question found in the Baptismal Interview questions the Missionaries give to prospective Baptism candidate spells it out clearly:

When you are baptized, you covenant with God that you are willing to take upon yourself the name of Christ and keep his commandments throughout your life. Are you ready to make this covenant and strive to be faithful to it?

There are numerous scriptures about taking on Jesus' 'Name' and when read in context, it's clear this is done through baptism.

You will also note that in D&C 20:72-74 it explains the ordinance of baptism--that when we go down into the water to be baptized, we are baptized in Jesus' name.

[Calm]

I understand that, but we don't make any kind of an oath in our normal sense of the word at baptism, do we? There is an interview and are we explicitly told that we are taking upon ourselves the Name of Christ?

The baptismal covenant as taught to children preparing for baptism (see bottom of page for the visual aid): http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=47560f9856c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=637e1b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

The Primary theme in 2000 was "I will make and keep my baptismal covenant", showing another version of how such is taught to children (which I think is useful because it keeps the discussion limited to the most basic form/doctrine): http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Friend/2000.htm/friend%20january%202000.htm/i%20will%20make%20and%20keep%20my%20baptismal%20covenant.htm

And as taught in the Gospel Principles manual:

http://lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-20-baptism?lang=eng

We Make Covenants When We Are Baptized

Many scriptures teach about baptism. In one of these scriptures, the prophet Alma taught that faith and repentance are steps that prepare us for baptism. He taught that when we are baptized we make a covenant with the Lord. We promise to do certain things, and God promises to bless us in return.

Alma explained that we must want to be called the people of God. We must be willing to help and comfort each other. We must stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. As we do these things and are baptized, God will forgive our sins. Alma told the people who believed his teachings about the gospel:

“Behold, here are the waters of Mormon. … And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, … 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?” (Mosiah 18:8, 10). The people clapped their hands for joy and said it was their desire to be baptized. Alma baptized them in the Waters of Mormon. (See Mosiah 18:7–17.)

Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to:

• 1. Come into the fold of God.
• 2. Bear one another’s burdens.
• 3. Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places.
• 4. Serve God and keep His commandments.

When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to:

• 1. Forgive our sins (see Acts 2:38; D&C 49:13).
• 2. Pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon us (see Mosiah 18:10).
• 3. Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2:38; D&C 20:77).
• 4. Let us come forth in the First Resurrection (see Mosiah 18:9).
• 5. Give us eternal life (see Mosiah 18:9).

[Darth_Bill]

Got it on the stand alone. The Savior did limit the sacrament to those who had been baptized. It doesn't need to be linked to baptism though. You can't make covenants in the temple without baptism either, but it isn't a renewal of baptismal covenants there.

And yes, we do teach our children what it means, but as far as I know, they don't put their hand up and covenant anything in that fashion...and what about kids that don't go through primary, like me? Is the explanation itself presented in the interview? Should I view baptism as an initiation of sorts and that I couldn't make covenants in any condition because I am not an initiate. Afterwards, we can make them in the way we understand, like sacrament, some sort of mutual agreement and action.

There has to be someone on the board that performed interviews. Are there standard questions? Are the persons made to understand what exactly they are doing? For example, if the sacrament is the renewal of the covenants, are those read to them so they understand what they are agreeing to? I'm just curious about our terminology and if we really do present things in a particular way. On my mission I performed baptisms, and just baptised my little girl two weeks ago. I haven't done much in the way of adults though.

Thanks for the scriptural references. I'm sure the scriptures teach about what is promised, but actual presentation to the initiate is what I'm looking for.

Edited July 19, 2011 by Darth_Bill

[KevinG]

I have heard that when we partake of the sacrament we renew all of our covenants that we have made, like Temple, Baptism, etc. is that true or is it just the one we made at Baptism?

...all of them.

[Calm]

Are there standard questions? Are the persons made to understand what exactly they are doing?

I'm pretty sure someone has already pointed to Preach My Gospel. If you missed that reference, you can find the baptismal interview questions given on page 206. The last question (and this is what I remember being posted already) is very specific about what the covenant is (take upon yourself the name of Christ and keep his commandments).

There is a whole chapter about how to help prepare investigators for baptism and confirmation starting on page 203.

http://lds.org/langu...617_eng_019.pdf

The same questions are listed in the CHI, handbook 1 under Baptism and Confirmation Interview Instructions on page 144. It also b (on the previous page) that the interviewer is to ensure that the interviewee understands and is committed to living the baptismal covenant.

Edited July 19, 2011 by calmoriah

[scarles]

As close to an "official" answer as possible is found in the March 1995 Ensign - "I have A Question" http://lds.org/ensign/1995/03/i-have-a-question?lang=eng.

Also:

"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." (Elder Delbert L. Stapley, Conference Report, October 1965, First Day Morning Meeting, p.14).

A great piece about covenant renewal is found here: https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/byu-religious-education-student-symposium-2010/scriptural-analysis/covenant-renewal-seeking.

I hope that helps.

[ERMD]

I understand that, but we don't make any kind of an oath in our normal sense of the word at baptism, do we? There is an interview and are we explicitly told that we are taking upon ourselves the Name of Christ? I ask this because I'm not sure. I know what I promised in the temple. I know what I promise in the sacrement. It is these implied things that I personally am curious about.

I'm late to the party. Even though before baptism the individual does not raise his arm to the square and say, "Yes," there are still specific covenants made. Think about receiving the Melchizedek priesthood. The individual takes upon himself the oath and covenant of the priesthood without "doing" anything. It is up to the authority who performs the interview to be sure the individual understands.

Elder Oaks gave what I regard as the definitive address on this subject in April 1985 conference--one of my all-time favorites.

[Eric Cartman]

Ah yes. I forgot

[CARPE DIEM]

I have heard that when we partake of the sacrament we renew all of our covenants that we have made, like Temple, Baptism, etc. is that true or is it just the one we made at Baptism?

The wife and I were recently taught by the Missionary's that it concerns the Baptism covenant only. Is that true?

[Storm Rider]

The wife and I were recently taught by the Missionary's that it concerns the Baptism covenant only. Is that true?

Carpe, I think you will find that the missionaries were correct. Listen to the Sacramental prayers and you will know what covenants are being renewed. There are some members that may make the Sacrament symbolize more, but that is just an individual choice and are outside of the prayers themselves.

[Darth_Bill]

And the words don't signify a renewal, do they? It appears to me that it is a covenant and we like to think we renew it because we do it each week, but the words themselves don't harken back to previous acts.

And thanks for the info on what happens at the baptismal interview.

[zerinus]

I have heard that when we partake of the sacrament we renew all of our covenants that we have made, like Temple, Baptism, etc. is that true or is it just the one we made at Baptism?

Since the covenants we make when partaking of the Sacrament closely parallels those we make at baptism:

Mosiah 18

:

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 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 7

:

15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

it is viewed as a renewing of out baptismal covenant.

The most important covenant we make when we partake of the sacrament, however, is to always remember Him, which if we do we are promised to always have His Spirit to be with us. That is the greatest gift we can have in this life, short of a celestial reward in the next. And always literally means always. It doesn't men some of the time, or even most of the time.

[Next Year Here]

Interesting beyond measure that one cannot find THE covenant made at baptism.

The sacrament covenant is plainly acted out in the ordinance.

Temple covenants are acted out in the performance.

So when and how and what IS the baptismal covenant and where is this 'acted out'?

Indeed, Christ commands that his servants were to forbid any from partaking of the sacrament

unworthily. I take that to mean those who failed to act out a proper TAKING UPON THEM THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST covenant.

Seems like the LDS never studied this out in their minds and failed to realize its importance in their zeal to make off with only the appearance

of righteousness while they deny the power thereof.

The baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost is the earnest of salvation, the unction from on High and the ACT of Jesus Christ putting his name upon us

conceiving us his seed, raising us up to a state of righteousness, fulfilling the commandment of repentance, the entering into the kingdom of God,

having the door opened by Christ, whereby we stand upon the rock of Christ.

It remains most interesting that LDS preaching ALWAYS circumvents any sort of EVENT in regards to this covenant that must take place or it is vain.

The infamous, imperceptible process, whether named or assumed somehow else must be judged absolute hypocrisy as it denies the power of godliness.

There is no scriptural justification for it.

Let me explain how the baptismal covenant IS acted out and performed and completed.

To begin, it was commanded of Jesus Christ that we take no thought for our life, what we shall eat or wear for clothes, meaning focus all your intent,

with full purpose of heart away from the things of this world, forsake them, as you seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Christ was with the Jews who believed on his name for forty days. When he was done he commanded them to remain steadfast in all solemnity of heart, as they

called it, of one accord, UNTIL they were visited by the promise of the Father which is the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. So they took perhaps fifty days of

seeking the kingdom of God, at hazard against the cares of the world, and even with Jesus personally administering did not receive the covenant of baptism acted out

for fifty days.

This is what Moroni commanded about watching those who join the church to SEE if the manifestation of a real covenant BEFORE their names are taken as REAL

members of Christ's church.

The broken heart and contrite spirit, the depths of humility, the repentance and forsaking the world and BOWING to the scepter of Christ's is how an individual distills their

soul in the solitude and solemnity of their sacred space where they work out their salvation with fear and trembling, that is the only acceptable posture God will receive.

This expertise is not known or named among the LDS since the beginning. And this is why Joseph Smith lamented, when at the end, he realized his folly in not cleansing the Church

and reforming it to conform to the Zion standard.

If you carefully read the lawyer, Durham's paper you will see these truths laced throughout inappropriately as if arrogantly assumed a given. And why? Because he can read and he knows

what the scripture say and yet he must liken them somehow to himself. It would take a lawyer to pull off something like that given all the errors that have passed by for 10 generations.