The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament

By Elder John H. Groberg

of the Seventy

(Adapted from an April 1989 general conference address. See Ensign, May 1989, pages 38–40.)

If ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you (3 Ne. 18:7).

One of the most important invitations ever issued to mankind is to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moro. 10:32). How do we do that? One of the most beautiful and important ways is through the ordinance of the sacrament.

If we wish to come unto Jesus through the sacrament, we must believe in Him, rely on Him, repent of our sins, take His name upon us by being baptized in His Church, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and faithfully follow Christ all of our lives.

The invitation to come unto the Savior is universal. Everyone is included—men, women, and children; old and young alike. None are barred except by themselves.

The Lord said, “Ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me” (3 Ne. 18:25).

The Lord also warned: “Ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily” (3 Ne. 18:28).

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), 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 each ask: “Am I worthy to partake?”

Do you remember the feeling you had when you were baptized—that sweet, clean feeling of a pure soul having been forgiven, washed clean through the merits of the Savior? If we partake of the sacrament worthily, we can feel that way regularly as we renew our covenants, which include His forgiveness.

As we worthily partake of the sacrament, we will sense those things we need to improve in, and we will receive the help and determination to do so. No matter what our problems, the sacrament always gives us hope.