3 Nephi 18

(December 1, 2015)

                It is interesting to me to see the way that the Sacrament is presented here by the Savior.  The Sacrament is a testament that we always remember Christ, but the promised blessings don’t come from the Sacrament.  Christ’s language is clear that the blessings of His Spirit is promised to those who remember Him, and not merely to those who partake of the Sacrament.

                It may seem like a distinction without a difference (because, presumably, those who love the Lord and always remember Him will want to partake of the Sacrament as well).  But the outward ordinance, when it comes to at least the promised blessing of His Spirit, is not a necessary condition to that blessing but rather an outward manifestation of the inward condition required to be deserving of that blessing.