Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 8
Then he had the people sit down, took the bread, broke and blessed it, and "gave unto the
disciples, and commanded that they should eat" (29-30). "Behold, there shall be one 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" (32). "And
this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a
testimony unto the Father, that ye do always remember me. And. ..ye shall have my Spirit to be
with you" (34-36).
Then he took the cup of wine and followed a similar service of worship.
3 Ne 8:44 But whoso among you shall do more or less than these, are not built upon my rock, but are
built upon a sandy foundation;
This was not just a new worship program. It was a highly significant service which is not to be
expanded nor contracted. The prayers of blessing on the emblems are to be read so as not to vary
the wording (The Priesthood Manual, p. 44. See also D. and C. 17:22, 23). "Watch and pray
always, lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat"
(III N. 8:50, 51). Then he gave some more counsel to them. "Pray in your families unto the Father,
always in my name, that your wives and children may be blessed" (52). "Ye shall meet together
oft," and not forbid any to come to your
meetings; but pray for them and "hold up your light that it may shine unto the world" (53,54).
3 Ne 8:60 And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall not suffer any
one knowingly, to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it, for whoso eateth
and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul;
He who does "eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul" (60; I Cor. 11:29). "Therefore if ye know
that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood, ye shall forbid him" (III N. 8:61).
This statement is positive and leaves no doubt that the church doctrine is close communion but
also that great care should be given to the worthiness to partake of those within our communion.
Those who are baptized and confirmed members of the church, in good standing, are eligible,
Members who are in transgression or who are offended toward a brother should voluntarily refrain
from partaking until reconciliation has been made (D. and C. 46:1; 42:23). There are sometimes
other situations in which questionable conduct or reputation may justify temporarily withholding
the Lord's Supper, pending repentance or restitution. In such an event the decision to refuse the
emblems rests with the presiding officer of the branch.-The Priesthood Manual, p. 42.
Copies of the prayers of blessing over the emblems should be available on the table, or in the
possession of the minister who will read them, before the beginning of the service.-Ibid., p. 43.
Communion wine--grape juice of your own preparation-should be used. Commercially prepared
grape juice is acceptable.
Fermented wine should not be used in the sacrament service of the church, but. ..either
unfermented wine or water should be used, and so be in harmony with the spirit of the revelations
(Rules and Resolutions 702; D. and C. 26:1; 86:1; 119:5).-Administrative Policies and Procedures,
pp. 30, 31.