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Sunday, June 12, 2011

In Remembrance of the Blood

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The water is a reminder that the Savior shed His blood in intense spiritual suffering and anguish, beginning in the Garden of Gethsemane and concluding on the cross. In the garden He said, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death". Submitting to the will of the Father, He suffered more than we can comprehend: "Blood came from every pore, so great was his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people". He suffered for the sins, sorrows, and pains of all people, providing remission of sins for those who repent and live the gospel. Through the shedding of His blood, Jesus Christ saved all people from what the scriptures call the "original guilt" of Adam's transgression.
Partaking of the sacrament is a witness to God that the remembrance of His Son will extend beyond the short time of that sacred ordinance. Part of this ordinance is a promise to remember Him always and a witness of individual willingness to take upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ and to keep His commandments. In partaking of the sacrament and making these commitments, Church members renew the covenant they made at baptism.
In return, the Lord renews the promised remission of sin and enables Church members to "always have his Spirit to be with them". The Spirit's constant companionship is one of the greatest gifts of mortality.
In preparation for the sacrament each week, Church members take time to examine their lives and repent of sins. They do not need to be perfect in order to partake of the sacrament, but they should have a spirit of humility and repentance in their hearts. Every week they strive to prepare for that sacred ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

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