Baptismal Covenenat And Ordinance Of Sacrament

[Stormin' Mormon]

At a baptism yesterday, I started thinking about the link between the baptismal covenant and the ordinance of the Sacrament. Conventional wisdom is that these two are linked--that we renew the one by participating in the other. I've even heard it taught that the baptismal covenant is actually outlined in the sacramental prayer (take his name upon us, always remember him, keep his commandments, in return for having his spirit with us always).

Where in the scriptures are these two actually linked? Is this really "official" doctrine, or is it something that has been taught so long and so frequently that it has taken on the hue of doctrine? I asked around after the baptismal service and no one I spoke with had an answer.

Thanks for the help.

[Darth_Bill]

It has been recently addressed here. The most official link is that Jesus told the Nephites that the sacrement was for those who had been baptized. The actual covenant seems to be in the baptismal interview but as that was so long ago for me, I don't remember it being phrased as such.

[LeSellers]

At a baptism yesterday, I started thinking about the link between the baptismal covenant and the ordinance of the Sacrament. Conventional wisdom is that these two are linked--that we renew the one by participating in the other.

...

Where in the scriptures are these two actually linked? Is this really "official" doctrine, or is it something that has been taught so long and so frequently that it has taken on the hue of doctrine? I asked around after the baptismal service and no one I spoke with had an answer.

1. Father in Heav’n, we do believe

The promise thou hast made;

Thy word with meekness we receive,

Just as thy Saints have said.

2. We now repent of all our sin

And come with broken heart,

And to thy covenant enter in

And choose the better part.

3. O Lord, accept us while we pray,

And all our sins forgive;

New life impart to us this day,

And bid the sinners live.

4. Humbly we take the sacrament

In Jesus’ blessed name;

Let us receive thru covenant

The Spirit’s heav’nly flame.

5. 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.

6. 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.

For sacrament, sing verses 1–4.

For baptismal services, omit verse 4.

Hymns, 180

It's not "scripture", per se, but Hymns carries the signature of the First Presidency.

Lehi

[Fig-bearing Thistle]

At a baptism yesterday, I started thinking about the link between the baptismal covenant and the ordinance of the Sacrament. Conventional wisdom is that these two are linked--that we renew the one by participating in the other. I've even heard it taught that the baptismal covenant is actually outlined in the sacramental prayer (take his name upon us, always remember him, keep his commandments, in return for having his spirit with us always).

Where in the scriptures are these two actually linked? Is this really "official" doctrine, or is it something that has been taught so long and so frequently that it has taken on the hue of doctrine? I asked around after the baptismal service and no one I spoke with had an answer.

Thanks for the help.

Mosiah 18:10

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?

Moroni 6:2-3

2Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.

3And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

D&C 20:37

37And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Edited July 31, 2011 by Fig-bearing Thistle