Talk:4 Ne 1:26-30

From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.

Verse 27: The sacrament

I am always surprised a bit in reading the scriptures when I am reminded how bad it seems it is to allow someone who is unworthy to take the sacrament. As a missionary I always found it a bit awkward to tell people not to take the sacrament when they came to Church with us. My surprise at reading how bad it is to allow someone who is unworthy to take the sacrament is probably a reflection of the fact that it is easy for me to forget how sacred the sacrament is--because I participate in it so frequently. I don't find myself similarly suprised that we have processes to help make sure only the worthy enter the temple. --Matthew Faulconer 09:47, 7 Mar 2006 (UTC)

I thought I remember hearing something about this recently. I couldn't find it, but did find this quote from Elder Groberg in General Conference, April 1989:

What does it mean to partake of the sacrament worthily? Or how do we know if we are unworthy?

If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. If, however, we have no desire to improve, if we have no intention of following the guidance of the Spirit, we must ask: Are we worthy to partake, or are we making a mockery of the very purpose of the sacrament, which is to act as a catalyst for personal repentance and improvement? If we remember the Savior and all he has done and will do for us, we will improve our actions and thus come closer to him, which keeps us on the road to eternal life.

If, however, we refuse to repent and improve, if we do not remember him and keep his commandments, then we have stopped our growth, and that is damnation to our souls.

I thought I heard something about non-members taking the sacrament, but couldn't find it. At any rate, there doesn't seem anything in Elder Groberg's discussion that would necessarily preclude non-members from taking the sacrament. My mission president also instructed us to explain to investigators that this was a way that members renewed their baptismal covenant, but I think I've heard of instances where the policy was to allow non-members to take the sacrament....

--RobertC 00:01, 8 Mar 2006 (UTC)

Elder Russell M. Nelson made a statement about visitors taking the sacrament; he said this in a worldwide leadership training meeting and it was reproduced in the August 2004 Ensign.

Because we invite all to come unto Christ, friends and neighbors are always welcome but not expected to take the sacrament. However, it is not forbidden. They choose for themselves. We hope that newcomers among us will always be made to feel wanted and comfortable. Little children, as sinless beneficiaries of the Lord’s Atonement, may partake of the sacrament as they prepare for covenants that they will make later in life.

This is the most recent statement I remember about non-members taking the sacrament. MJ 09:47, 8 Mar 2006 (UTC)

Thanks MJ, this sounds like what I remember hearing, though I'm not sure I heard this from the training meeting. --RobertC 14:57, 13 Mar 2006 (UTC)